Electronic device comprising antenna

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an electronic device. The electronic device according to an embodiment includes a plurality of antennas, and a communication circuit electrically connected with the plurality of antennas. The communication circuit includes a plurality of circuits receiving a signal in a first band and is configured to simultaneously receive the signal in the first band through two or more circuits of the plurality of circuits from two or more antennas, which are positioned adjacent to each other, from among the plurality of antennas. The number of the plurality of antennas is the same as the number of plurality of circuits. Besides, various embodiments understood through this disclosure are possible.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure relate to a technologyfor transmitting/receiving signals in the same frequency band at thesame time by using a plurality of antennas.

BACKGROUND ART

With developments of information communication technologies, networkdevices such as a base station and the like are installed throughout thecountry. The electronic device transmits/receives data to/from anotherelectronic device over a network, thus allowing a user to utilize thenetwork freely anywhere in the country.

The electronic device may use the network through at least one antennaincluded in the electronic device. The electronic device may include aplurality of antennas. The electronic device may transmit/receive asignal by using a main antenna of a plurality of antennas, and mayreceive a signal by using a diversity antenna of the plurality ofantennas.

In an electronic device including a main part including one or moreantennas and a diversity part including one or more antennas, twosignals in the same frequency band may be simultaneously receivedthrough the main part and the diversity part, respectively. However,since the connection between an antenna and an RF circuit is not free,two or more antennas included in the main part and two or more antennasincluded in the diversity part may not be connected with the RF circuitwhich may transmit or receive signals in the same frequency band at thesame time. Accordingly, the electronic device may be difficult toreceive signals in the same frequency band at the same time through thetwo or more antennas of the main part or the two or more antennas of thediversity part.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

Various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may provide anelectronic device including a circuit which may transmit or receivesignals in the same frequency band at the same time by using a pluralityof antennas included in the electronic device and a method thereof.

Technical Solution

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure may include a plurality of antennas, and a communicationcircuit electrically connected with the plurality of antennas. Thecommunication circuit may include a plurality of circuits receiving asignal in a first band and may be configured to simultaneously receivethe signal in the first band through two or more circuits of theplurality of circuits from two or more antennas, which are positionedadjacent to each other, from among the plurality of antennas. The numberof the plurality of antennas may be the same as the number of pluralityof circuits.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure may include an external housing that includes a firstportion, a second portion adjacent to the first portion, a third portionfurther away from the first portion than the second portion, and afourth portion adjacent to the third portion, a first antenna radiatorthat forms at least a portion of the first portion and/or is formedwithin the housing to be adjacent to the first portion, a second antennaradiator that forms at least a portion of the second portion and/or isformed within the housing to be adjacent to the second portion, a thirdantenna radiator that forms at least a portion of the third portionand/or is formed within the housing to be adjacent to the third portion,a fourth antenna radiator that forms at least a portion of the fourthportion and/or is formed within the housing to be adjacent to the fourthportion, at least one communication circuit that supports a frequency ina first band and a frequency in a second band lower than the frequencyof the first band, a first electrical path that electrically connectsthe at least one communication circuit and the first antenna radiatorand transmits a signal having the frequency in the first band, a secondelectrical path that electrically connects the at least onecommunication circuit and the second antenna radiator and simultaneouslyor selectively transmits a signal having the frequency in the first bandor the second band, a third electrical path that electrically connectsthe at least one communication circuit and the third antenna radiatorand simultaneously or selectively transmits a signal having thefrequency in the first band or the second band, a fourth electrical paththat electrically connects the at least one communication circuit andthe fourth antenna radiator and transmits the signal having thefrequency in the first band, and a control circuit that receives thesignal in the first band through at least two of the first to fourthantenna radiators at least temporarily simultaneously by controlling atleast one of the first to fourth electrical paths.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure may include an external housing that includes a firstportion, a second portion adjacent to the first portion, a third portionfurther away from the first portion than the second portion, a firstantenna radiator that forms at least a portion of the first portionand/or is formed within the housing to be adjacent to the first portion,a second antenna radiator that forms at least a portion of the secondportion and/or is formed within the housing to be adjacent to the secondportion, a third antenna radiator that forms at least a portion of thethird portion and/or is formed within the housing to be adjacent to thethird portion, at least one communication circuit that supports afrequency in a first band and a frequency in a second band lower thanthe frequency of the first band, a first electrical path thatelectrically connects the at least one communication circuit and thefirst antenna radiator and transmits a signal having the frequency inthe first band, a second electrical path that electrically connects theat least one communication circuit and the second antenna radiator andsimultaneously or selectively transmits a signal having the frequency inthe first band or the second band, a third electrical path thatelectrically connects the at least one communication circuit and thethird antenna radiator and simultaneously or selectively transmits asignal having the frequency in the first band or the second band, and acontrol circuit that receives the signal in the first band through atleast two of the first to third antenna radiators at least temporarilysimultaneously by controlling at least one of the first to thirdelectrical paths.

Advantageous Effects

According to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure, anelectronic device may include a plurality of circuits which aresimultaneously connected with respective antennas and may transmit orreceive signals in the same band, thus simultaneously transmitting orreceiving signals in the same bands through all the antennas included inthe electronic device.

For another example, a path through which each of the plurality ofantennas is connected with a communication circuit may be variouslychanged by using a signal distributer or a switching circuit whichconnects the plurality of antennas and the communication circuit.

For another example, power consumption of the plurality of antennas maybe reduced by selecting an antenna to be used from the plurality ofantennas based on performance of each of the plurality of antennas.

For another example, the securing of communication performance and thereduction of power consumption may be simultaneously accomplished bydetermining the number of antennas to be used for communication based ona signal strength of an antenna in use.

Besides, a variety of effects directly or indirectly understood throughthis disclosure may be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagrams illustrating a configuration of anantenna and a radio frequency (RF) circuit included in an electronicdevice according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are block diagrams illustrating a configuration of anantenna and an RF circuit included in an electronic device according toan embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 17A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of anelectronic device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17B is a flowchart for describing a method of controlling anantenna of an electronic device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to anembodiment;

FIG. 19 illustrates a location of an antenna included in an electronicdevice according to an embodiment;

FIG. 20 illustrates an internal structure of an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment;

FIGS. 21A to 21C illustrate an internal structure of an electronicdevice according to an embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for describing an antenna selecting method of anelectronic device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for describing an antenna selecting method of anelectronic device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for describing an antenna selecting method of anelectronic device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 25A illustrates a location of an antenna included in an electronicdevice according to an embodiment;

FIG. 25B is a flowchart for describing an antenna selecting method of anelectronic device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 26 illustrates the electronic device in a network environmentaccording to various embodiments;

FIG. 27 is a block diagram of the electronic device according to variousembodiments; and

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a program module according to variousembodiments.

MODE FOR INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure may be describedwith reference to accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that modification, equivalent, and/oralternative on the various embodiments described herein can be variouslymade without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentdisclosure. With regard to description of drawings, similar componentsmay be marked by similar reference numerals.

In the present disclosure, the expressions “have”, “may have”, “include”and “comprise”, or “may include” and “may comprise” used herein indicateexistence of corresponding features (e.g., components such as numericvalues, functions, operations, or parts) but do not exclude presence ofadditional features.

In the present disclosure, the expressions “A or B”, “at least one of Aor/and B”, or “one or more of A or/and B”, and the like may include anyand all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Forexample, the term “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, or “at least oneof A or B” may refer to all of the case (1) where at least one A isincluded, the case (2) where at least one B is included, or the case (3)where both of at least one A and at least one B are included.

The terms, such as “first”, “second”, and the like used in the presentdisclosure may be used to refer to various components regardless of theorder and/or the priority and to distinguish the relevant componentsfrom other components, but do not limit the components. For example, “afirst user device” and “a second user device” indicate different userdevices regardless of the order or priority. For example, withoutdeparting the scope of the present disclosure, a first component may bereferred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component maybe referred to as a first component.

It will be understood that when an component (e.g., a first component)is referred to as being “(operatively or communicatively) coupledwith/to” or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component),it may be directly coupled with/to or connected to the other componentor an intervening component (e.g., a third component) may be present. Incontrast, when an component (e.g., a first component) is referred to asbeing “directly coupled with/to” or “directly connected to” anothercomponent (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that thereare no intervening component (e.g., a third component).

According to the situation, the expression “configured to” used in thepresent disclosure may be used as, for example, the expression “suitablefor”, “having the capacity to”, “designed to”, “adapted to”, “made to”,or “capable of”. The term “configured to” must not mean only“specifically designed to” in hardware. Instead, the expression “adevice configured to” may mean that the device is “capable of” operatingtogether with another device or other parts. For example, a “processorconfigured to (or set to) perform A, B, and C” may mean a dedicatedprocessor (e.g., an embedded processor) for performing a correspondingoperation or a generic-purpose processor (e.g., a central processingunit (CPU) or an application processor) which performs correspondingoperations by executing one or more software programs which are storedin a memory device.

Terms used in the present disclosure are used to describe specifiedembodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the presentdisclosure. The terms of a singular form may include plural forms unlessotherwise specified. All the terms used herein, which include technicalor scientific terms, may have the same meaning that is generallyunderstood by a person skilled in the art. It will be further understoodthat terms, which are defined in a dictionary and commonly used, shouldalso be interpreted as is customary in the relevant related art and notin an idealized or overly formal unless expressly so defined in variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In some cases, even if terms areterms which are defined in the present disclosure, they may not beinterpreted to exclude embodiments of the present disclosure.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure may include at least one of, for example, smartphones, tabletpersonal computers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones, electronicbook readers, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations,servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players(PMPs), Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) Audio Layer 3(MP3) players, mobile medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices.According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include atleast one of an accessory type (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets,anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lens, or head-mounted-devices(HMDs), a fabric or garment-integrated type (e.g., an electronicapparel), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or tattoos), or abio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may be a homeappliance. The home appliances may include at least one of, for example,televisions (TVs), digital versatile disc (DVD) players, audios,refrigerators, air conditioners, cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens,washing machines, air cleaners, set-top boxes, home automation controlpanels, security control panels, TV boxes (e.g., Samsung HomeSync™,Apple TV™, or Google TV™), game consoles (e.g., Xbox™ or PlayStation™),electronic dictionaries, electronic keys, camcorders, electronic pictureframes, and the like.

According to another embodiment, an electronic device may include atleast one of various medical devices (e.g., various portable medicalmeasurement devices (e.g., a blood glucose monitoring device, aheartbeat measuring device, a blood pressure measuring device, a bodytemperature measuring device, and the like), a magnetic resonanceangiography (MRA), a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a computedtomography (CT), scanners, and ultrasonic devices), navigation devices,Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), event data recorders (EDRs),flight data recorders (FDRs), vehicle infotainment devices, electronicequipment for vessels (e.g., navigation systems and gyrocompasses),avionics, security devices, head units for vehicles, industrial or homerobots, automated teller machines (ATMs), points of sales (POSs) ofstores, or internet of things (e.g., light bulbs, various sensors,electric or gas meters, sprinkler devices, fire alarms, thermostats,street lamps, toasters, exercise equipment, hot water tanks, heaters,boilers, and the like).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include at leastone of parts of furniture or buildings/structures, electronic boards,electronic signature receiving devices, projectors, or various measuringinstruments (e.g., water meters, electricity meters, gas meters, or wavemeters, and the like). According to various embodiments, the electronicdevice may be one of the above-described devices or a combinationthereof. An electronic device according to an embodiment may be aflexible electronic device. Furthermore, an electronic device accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure may not be limited to theabove-described electronic devices and may include other electronicdevices and new electronic devices according to the development oftechnologies.

Hereinafter, electronic devices according to various embodiments will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the presentdisclosure, the term “user” may refer to a person who uses an electronicdevice or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial intelligenceelectronic device) that uses the electronic device.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagrams illustrating a configuration of anantenna and a radio frequency (RF) circuit included in an electronicdevice according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1A, an electronic device may include a first antenna110, a second antenna 120, a signal distributer 130, a high band andmiddle band signal transmitter/receiver (Tx/Rx) circuit (hereinafterreferred to as an “H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit”) 140, a low bandsignal transmitter/receiver circuit (hereinafter referred to as a “LBtransmitter/receiver circuit”) 150, and a high band and middle bandsignal receiver (Rx) circuit (hereinafter referred to as a “H/MBreceiver circuit”) 160.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may receive a high bandsignal or a middle band signal at the same time through two antennas.

For example, the electronic device may include a plurality of antennas(the first antenna 110 and the second antenna 120). A signal received bythe second antenna 120 may be transmitted to the LB transmitter/receivercircuit 150 or the H/MB receiver circuit 160 through the signaldistributer 130 depending on a band of the signal.

According to an embodiment, the first antenna 110 may receive a signalfrom the outside or may radiate a signal transmitted within theelectronic device. The first antenna 110 may receive or radiate, forexample, the high band signal or the middle band signal. For example,the middle band may be a band ranging from approximately 1.7 GHz toapproximately 2.1 GHz, and the high band may be a band ranging fromapproximately 2.3 GHz to approximately 2.7 GHz. The first antenna 110may be electrically connected with the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit140. The first antenna 110 may be electrically connected with the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 140 through a first electrical path. Thefirst electrical path may be configured to transmit the high band signaland the middle band signal. The first antenna 110 may transmit a signalreceived from the outside to the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140.For another example, the first antenna 110 may radiate a signaltransmitted from the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140 to theoutside.

According to an embodiment, the second antenna 120 may receive a signalfrom the outside or may radiate a signal transmitted within theelectronic device. The second antenna 120 may receive or radiate, forexample, the high band signal, the middle band signal, or a low bandsignal. For example, the low band may be a band ranging fromapproximately 600 MHz to approximately 900 MHz. The second antenna 120may be electrically connected with the LB transmitter/receiver circuit150 or the H/MB receiver circuit 160 through the signal distributer 130.For example, the second antenna 120 may be electrically connected withthe LB transmitter/receiver circuit 150 or the H/MB receiver circuit 160through a second electrical path. The second electrical path may beconfigured to transmit the high band signal, the middle band signal, andthe low band signal. The second electrical path may simultaneously orselectively transmit the high band signal, the middle band signal, andthe low band signal. The second electrical path may be changed by thesignal distributer 130. For example, depending on an operation of thesignal distributer 130, the second antenna 120 may be electricallyconnected with the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 150 through thesecond electrical path or may be connected with the H/MB receivercircuit 160 through the second electrical path. The LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 150 or the H/MB receiver circuit 160 may beelectrically connected with the second antenna 120 through the secondelectrical path. For example, the second antenna 120 may transmit thelow band signal received from the outside to the LB transmitter/receivercircuit 150, and may radiate a signal transmitted from the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 150 to the outside. For another example,the second antenna 120 may transmit the high band signal or the middleband signal received from the outside to the H/MB receiver circuit 160.The second antenna 120 may be positioned at a location adjacent to thefirst antenna 110.

According to an embodiment, when electrically connected with the firstantenna 110, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140 may transmit orreceive at least a part of a signal through the first antenna 110. Forexample, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140 may transmit orreceive the high band signal (a first band signal) or the middle bandsignal (a third band signal) to or from the first antenna 110. Foranother example, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140 may amplifyand filter a signal transmitted from a transceiver (e.g., a transceiver1720 of FIG. 17A) and may transmit the amplified and filtered signal tothe first antenna 110. The H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140 mayfilter and amplify or may filter a signal transmitted from the firstantenna 110 and may transmit a result of the filtering and amplifying tothe transceiver (e.g., the transceiver 1720 of FIG. 17A).

According to an embodiment, when electrically connected with the secondantenna 120 through the signal distributer 130, the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 150 may transmit or receive at least a partof a signal through the second antenna 120. For example, the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 150 may transmit or receive the low bandsignal (a second band signal) to or from the second antenna 120. The LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 150 may filter or amplify a signaltransmitted from the transceiver (e.g., the transceiver 1720 of FIG.17A) and may transmit a result of the filtering or amplifying to thesecond antenna 120.

According to an embodiment, when electrically connected with the secondantenna 120 through the signal distributer 130, the H/MB receivercircuit 160 may receive at least a part of a signal through the secondantenna 120. For example, the H/MB receiver circuit 160 may receive thehigh band signal or the middle band signal from the second antenna 120.The H/MB receiver circuit 160 may filter or amplify a signal transmittedfrom the second antenna 120 and may transmit a result of the filteringor amplifying to the transceiver (e.g., the transceiver 1720 of FIG.17A) or a communication processor (e.g., a communication processor 1730of FIG. 17A).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include twocircuits (the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140 and the H/MBreceiver circuit 160) which are simultaneously connected with tworespective antennas (e.g., the first antenna 110 and the second antenna120) and may receive the high band signal or the middle band signal.

According to an embodiment, the signal distributer 130 may selectivelyor simultaneously connect the second antenna 120 with the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 150 or the H/MB receiver circuit 160. Forexample, the signal distributer 130 may transmit the low band signal ofthe signal transmitted from the second antenna 120 to the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 150 and may transmit the middle band signaland the high band signal thereof to the H/MB receiver circuit 160. Thesignal distributer 130 may include, for example, a switch, a diplexer, aduplexer, or the like. The switch may selectively connect the secondantenna 120 with the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 150 or the H/MBreceiver circuit 160. The diplexer or the duplexer may simultaneouslyconnect the second antenna 120 with the LB transmitter/receiver circuit150 or the H/MB receiver circuit 160. For example, in the case where thesignal distributer 130 includes the diplexer, the signal distributer 130may separate the low band signal and the high band/middle band signal.The signal distributer 130 may separate a signal and may transmit theseparated signal to an appropriate circuit of the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 150 or the H/MB receiver circuit 160.

According to an embodiment, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140,the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 150, and the H/MB receiver circuit160 may be implemented in one communication circuit included in theelectronic device. For example, the communication circuit may receive atleast a part of the high band signal and/or the middle band signal atthe same time through a plurality of antennas included in the electronicdevice. For example, in the case where the high band signal and/or themiddle band signal is received by the second antenna 120, the signaldistributer 130 may allow the signal received by the second antenna 120to be transmitted to the H/MB receiver circuit 160. For example, in thecase where the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140 is electricallyconnected with the first antenna 110 and the H/MB receiver circuit 160is electrically connected with the second antenna 120 adjacent to thefirst antenna 110, the communication circuit may be configured tosimultaneously receive at least a part of the high band signal and/orthe middle band signal received by the first antenna 110 and the secondantenna 120 by using the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140 and theH/MB receiver circuit 160.

Referring to FIG. 1B, an electronic device may include the first antenna110, the second antenna 120, the signal distributer 130, a high bandsignal transmitter/receiver and middle band signal receiver circuit(hereinafter referred to as an “HB transmitter/receiver/MB receivercircuit”) 146, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 150, and a middleband signal transmitter/receiver and high band signal receiver circuit(hereinafter referred to as a “MB transmitter/receiver/HB receivercircuit”) 164.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may receive the highband signal and/or the middle band signal at the same time through twoantennas. A signal received by the second antenna 120 may be transmittedto the MB transmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 164 or the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 150 through the signal distributer 130through the signal distributer 130 depending on a band of the signal.According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include the HBtransmitter/receiver/MB receiver circuit 146 in which an HBtransmitter/receiver circuit and an MB receiver circuit are combined.The HB transmitter/receiver/MB receiver circuit 146 may be electricallyconnected with the first antenna 110. When electrically connected withthe first antenna 110, the HB transmitter/receiver/MB receiver circuit146 may transmit or receive at least a part of a signal through thefirst antenna 110. For example, the HB transmitter/receiver/MB receivercircuit 146 may transmit the high band signal to the first antenna 110,and may receive the high band signal and the middle band signal from thefirst antenna 110. The HB transmitter/receiver circuit or the MBreceiver circuit included in the HB transmitter/receiver/MB receivercircuit 146 may be selectively or simultaneously connected with thefirst antenna 110.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include the MBtransmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 164 in which an MBtransmitter/receiver circuit and an HB receiver circuit are combined.The MB transmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 164 may be electricallyconnected with the second antenna 120 through the signal distributer130. When electrically connected with the second antenna 120, the MBtransmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 164 may transmit or receive atleast a part of a signal through the second antenna 120. For example,the MB transmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 164 may transmit themiddle band signal to the second antenna 120, and may receive the highband signal and the middle band signal from the second antenna 120. TheMB transmitter/receiver circuit or the HB receiver circuit included inthe MB transmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 164 may be selectivelyor simultaneously connected with the second antenna 120.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a modulein which two or more circuits such as the H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 140, the H/MB receiver circuit 160, the HBtransmitter/receiver/MB receiver circuit 146, the MBtransmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 164, or the like are combined.FIGS. 1A and 1B show the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140, the H/MBreceiver circuit 160, the HB transmitter/receiver/MB receiver circuit146, and the MB transmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 164, but theelectronic device may include various types of modules in which two ormore circuits such as an HB transmitter/receiver circuit, an MBtransmitter/receiver circuit, an LB transmitter/receiver circuit, an HBreceiver circuit, an MB receiver circuit, or an LB receiver circuit arecombined.

According to an embodiment, the HB transmitter/receiver/MB receivercircuit 146, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 150, and the MBtransmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 164 may be implemented in onecommunication circuit included in the electronic device. For example,the communication circuit may receive at least a part of the high bandsignal and/or the middle band signal at the same time through aplurality of antennas included in the electronic device. For example, inthe case where the high band signal and/or the middle band signal isreceived by the second antenna 120, the signal distributer 130 may allowthe signal received by the second antenna 120 to be transmitted to theMB transmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 164. In the case where theHB transmitter/receiver/MB receiver circuit 146 is electricallyconnected with the first antenna 110 and the MB transmitter/receiver/HBreceiver circuit 164 is electrically connected with the second antenna120 adjacent to the first antenna 110, the communication circuit may beconfigured to simultaneously receive at least a part of the high bandsignal and/or the middle band signal received by the first antenna 110and the second antenna 120 by using the HB transmitter/receiver/MBreceiver circuit 146 and the MB transmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit164.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device may include a middle bandsignal transmitter/receiver circuit (hereinafter referred to as an “MBtransmitter/receiver circuit”) 141, a high band signaltransmitter/receiver circuit (hereinafter referred to as an HBtransmitter/receiver circuit”) 142 and may include a middle band signalreceiver circuit (hereinafter referred to as an “MB receiver circuit”)161 and a high band signal receiver circuit (hereinafter referred to asan “HB receiver circuit”) 162. The electronic device may further includea switching circuit 170 and a switch 180.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may receive the highband signal or the middle band signal at the same time through twoantennas. For example, a signal received by the first antenna 110 and/orthe second antenna 120 may be transmitted to the MB transmitter/receivercircuit 141, the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 142, the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 150, the MB receiver circuit 161, or the HBreceiver circuit 162 through the switching circuit 170, the signaldistributer 130, and/or the switch 180 depending on a band of thesignal.

According to an embodiment, the first antenna 110 may be connected withthe MB transmitter/receiver circuit 141, the HB transmitter/receivercircuit 142, or the signal distributer 130 through a first electricalpath. The first electrical path may be configured to transmit the highband signal, the middle band signal, and the low band signal. The firstelectrical path may be changed by the switching circuit 170, the signaldistributer 130, or the switch 180.

According to an embodiment, the second antenna 120 may be connected withthe MB transmitter/receiver circuit 141, the HB transmitter/receivercircuit 142, or the signal distributer 130 through a second electricalpath. The second electrical path may be configured to transmit the highband signal, the middle band signal, and the low band signal. The secondelectrical path may simultaneously or selectively transmit the high bandsignal, the middle band signal, and the low band signal. The secondelectrical path may be changed by the switching circuit 170, the signaldistributer 130, or the switch 180.

For example, the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 141 may be electricallyconnected with the first antenna 110 or the second antenna 120selectively through the switching circuit 170. For example, in the casewhere the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 141 is connected with thefirst antenna 110 or the second antenna 120, the MB transmitter/receivercircuit 141 may transmit the middle band signal to the first antenna 110or the second antenna 120 or may receive the middle band signal from thefirst antenna 110 or the second antenna 120.

For example, the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 142 may be electricallyconnected with the first antenna 110 or the second antenna 120selectively through the switching circuit 170. In the case where the HBtransmitter/receiver circuit 142 is connected with the first antenna 110or the second antenna 120, the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 142 maytransmit the high band signal to the first antenna 110 or the secondantenna 120 or may receive the high band signal from the first antenna110 or the second antenna 120.

For example, the MB receiver circuit 161 may be electrically connectedwith the signal distributer 130 through the switch 180. In the casewhere the MB receiver circuit 161 is connected with the first antenna110 or the second antenna 120, the MB receiver circuit 161 may receivethe middle band signal from the first antenna 110 or the second antenna120.

For example, the HB receiver circuit 162 may be electrically connectedwith the signal distributer 130 through the switch 180. In the casewhere the HB receiver circuit 162 is connected with the first antenna110 or the second antenna 120, the HB receiver circuit 162 may receivethe high band signal from the first antenna 110 or the second antenna120.

According to an embodiment, the MB receiver circuit 161 and the HBreceiver circuit 162 may be selectively connected with the signaldistributer 130 depending on an operation of the switch 180. The switch180 may be replaced with a diplexer. In this case, the MB receivercircuit 161 and the HB receiver circuit 162 may be simultaneouslyconnected with the signal distributer 130. According to an embodiment,the signal distributer 130 may be selectively connected with the firstantenna 110 or the second antenna 120 through the switching circuit 170.The signal distributer 130 may be electrically connected with the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 150 or the switch 180. The signaldistributer 130 may be selectively connected with the MB receivercircuit 161 or the HB receiver circuit 162 through the switch 180. Forexample, in the case where the low band signal is received from thesecond antenna 120, the signal distributer 130 may transmit the low bandsignal to the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 150. For another example,in the case where the high band signal or the middle band signal isreceived from the first antenna 110 or the second antenna 120, thesignal distributer 130 may transmit the high band signal or the middleband signal to the HB receiver circuit 162 or the MB receiver circuit161 through the switch 180, respectively.

The switch 180 may define a connection relationship between the signaldistributer 130 and the MB receiver circuit 161 or the HB receivercircuit 162. The switch 180 may selectively connect the signaldistributer 130 with the HB receiver circuit 162 or the MB receivercircuit 161. The switch 180 may connect, for example, the signaldistributer 130 and the MB receiver circuit 161, and may connect thesignal distributer 130 and the HB receiver circuit 162. In the casewhere the high band signal is input to the signal distributer 130through the first antenna 110 or the second antenna 120, the switch 180may connect the signal distributer 130 and the HB receiver circuit 162.In the case where the middle band signal is input to the signaldistributer 130 through the first antenna 110 or the second antenna 120,the switch 180 may connect the signal distributer 130 and the MBreceiver circuit 161. The operation of the switch 180 may be controlledby, for example, a control circuit for controlling an electrical path ora communication processor (e.g., the communication processor 1730 ofFIG. 17A).

According to an embodiment, the switching circuit 170 may beelectrically connected with the first antenna 110 or the second antenna120 and the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 141, the HBtransmitter/receiver circuit 142, and/or the signal distributer 130. Theswitching circuit 170 may define a connection between the first antenna110 and the second antenna 120 and the MB transmitter/receiver circuit141, the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 142, and the signal distributer130. The switching circuit 170 may connect the first antenna 110 and thesecond antenna 120 with different components. For example, the switchingcircuit 170 may selectively connect the first antenna 110 with the MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 141, the HB transmitter/receiver circuit142, and/or the signal distributer 130. For another example, theswitching circuit 170 may selectively connect the second antenna 120with a component, which is not electrically connected with the firstantenna 110, from among the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 141, the HBtransmitter/receiver circuit 142, and/or the signal distributer 130. Foranother example, in the case where the low band signal is transmittedthrough the second antenna 120 or in the case where the low band signalis transmitted through the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 150, theswitching circuit 170 may connect the second antenna 120 with the signaldistributer 130. In this case, the first antenna 110 may be connectedwith the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 141 or the HBtransmitter/receiver circuit 142. The operation of the switching circuit170 may be controlled by, for example, a control circuit for controllingan electrical path or a communication processor (e.g., the communicationprocessor 1730 of FIG. 17A).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include twocircuits (the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 142 and the HB receivercircuit 162) which are simultaneously connected with two respectiveantennas (e.g., the first antenna 110 and the second antenna 120) andmay receive the high band signal at the same time. For another example,the electronic device may include two circuits (the MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 141 and the MB receiver circuit 161) whichare simultaneously connected with two respective antennas (e.g., thefirst antenna 110 and the second antenna 120) and may receive the middleband signal at the same time.

According to an embodiment, the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 141, theHB transmitter/receiver circuit 142, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit150, the MB receiver circuit 161, and the HB receiver circuit 162 may beimplemented in one communication circuit included in the electronicdevice. The communication circuit may receive at least a part of thehigh band signal or the middle band signal at the same time through aplurality of antennas included in the electronic device. For example, inthe case where the middle band signal is received by the first antenna110 and the second antenna 120, the switching circuit 170 may allow themiddle band signal received by the first antenna 110 (or the secondantenna 120) to be transmitted to the MB transmitter/receiver circuit141. For another example, the switching circuit 170 may allow the middleband signal received by the second antenna 120 (or the first antenna110) to be transmitted to the signal distributer 130, and the signaldistributer 130 and the switch 180 may allow the middle band signal tobe transmitted to the MB receiver circuit 161. For another example, inthe case where the high band signal is received by the first antenna 110and the second antenna 120, the switching circuit 170 may allow the highband signal received by the first antenna 110 (or the second antenna120) to be transmitted to the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 142. Foranother example, the switching circuit 170 may allow the high bandsignal received by the second antenna 120 (or the first antenna 110) tobe transmitted to the signal distributer 130, and the signal distributer130 and the switch 180 may allow the high band signal to be transmittedto the HB receiver circuit 162. In the case where the high band (ormiddle band) signal is simultaneously received by the first antenna 110and the second antenna 120 adjacent to the first antenna 110, thecommunication circuit may be configured to simultaneously receive atleast a part of the high band (or middle band) signal received by thefirst antenna 110 and the second antenna 120 by using the HBtransmitter/receiver circuit 142 and the HB receiver circuit 162 (or theMB transmitter/receiver circuit 141 and the MB receiver circuit 161).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, an electronic device may include the first antenna110, the second antenna 120, the signal distributer 130, the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 140, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit150, and an H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 190.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may transmit or receivethe high band signal or the middle band signal at the same time throughtwo antennas. For example, a signal received by the first antenna 110may be transmitted to the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140; at thesame time, a signal received by the second antenna 120 may betransmitted to the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 150 or the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 190 through the signal distributer 130depending on a band of the signal. For another example, a signalgenerated by the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140 may be radiatedthrough the first antenna 110; at the same time, a signal generated bythe LB transmitter/receiver circuit 150 or the H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 190 may be radiated through the second antenna 120.

According to an embodiment, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 190may be electrically connected with the second antenna 120 through thesignal distributer 130. The H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 190 mayreceive the high band signal or the middle band signal from the secondantenna 120 and may transmit the high band signal or the middle bandsignal to the second antenna 120.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may include twocircuits (the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140 and the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 190) which are simultaneously connectedwith two respective antennas (e.g., the first antenna 110 and the secondantenna 120) and may receive or transmit the high band signal or themiddle band signal.

According to an embodiment, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140,the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 150, and the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 190 may be implemented in one communicationcircuit included in the electronic device. For example, thecommunication circuit may be configured to simultaneously receive thehigh band signal and the middle band signal from two antennas (the firstantenna 110 and the second antenna 120) by using two receiver circuits(the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140 and the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 190), and to simultaneously transmit thehigh band signal and the middle band signal through the two antennas byusing two transmitter circuits (e.g., the H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 140 and the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 190).

According to an embodiment, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140,the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 150, and the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 190 may be implemented in one communicationcircuit included in the electronic device. The communication circuit mayreceive or radiate the high band signal and/or the middle band signal atthe same time through a plurality of antennas included in the electronicdevice. For example, in the case where the high band signal and/or themiddle band signal is received by the second antenna 120, the signaldistributer 130 may allow the signal received by the second antenna 120to be transmitted to the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 190. In thecase where the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140 is electricallyconnected with the first antenna 110 and the H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 190 is electrically connected with the second antenna 120adjacent to the first antenna 110, the communication circuit may beconfigured to simultaneously receive at least a part of the high bandsignal or the middle band signal received by the first antenna 110 andthe second antenna 120 by using the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit140 and the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 190. For another example,the communication circuit may be configured to simultaneously radiate atleast a part of the high band signal or the middle band signal generatedby the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140 and the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 190 by using the first antenna 110 and thesecond antenna 120.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4, an electronic device may include a main part 400which includes a first antenna 410, a second antenna 420, a signaldistributer 430, an H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 440, an LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 450, and an H/MB receiver circuit 460, anda diversity part 500 which includes a third antenna 510, a signaldistributer 520, an LB receiver circuit 530, and an H/MB receivercircuit 540.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may receive the highband signal or the middle band signal at the same time through threeantennas. For example, a signal received by the first antenna 410 may betransmitted to the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 440; at the sametime, a signal received by the second antenna 420 may be transmitted tothe H/MB receiver circuit 460 through the signal distributer 430; at thesame time, a signal received by the third antenna 510 may be transmittedto the H/MB receiver circuit 540 through the signal distributer 520.According to an embodiment, the main part 400 may be configured totransmit or receive a signal to or from the outside through the firstantenna 410 and the second antenna 420. According to an embodiment, thefirst antenna 410, the second antenna 420, the signal distributer 430,the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 440, the LB transmitter/receivercircuit 450, and the H/MB receiver circuit 460 included in the main part400 may be the same as the first antenna 110, the second antenna 120,the signal distributer 130, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140,the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 150, and the H/MB receiver circuit160 illustrated in FIG. 1. The first antenna 410 and the second antenna420 may be positioned at locations adjacent to each other.

According to an embodiment, the diversity part 500 may be configured toreceive a signal from the outside through the third antenna 510. Thethird antenna 510 may receive a signal from the outside. The thirdantenna 510 may receive, for example, the high band signal, the middleband signal, or the low band signal. The LB receiver circuit 530 or theH/MB receiver circuit 540 may be electrically connected with the thirdantenna 510 through a third electrical path. The third electrical pathmay be configured to transmit the high band signal, the middle bandsignal, and the low band signal. The third electrical path maysimultaneously or selectively transmit the high band signal, the middleband signal, and the low band signal. The third electrical path may bechanged by the signal distributer 520. The third antenna 510 may beelectrically connected with the LB receiver circuit 530 or the H/MBreceiver circuit 540 through the signal distributer 520. The thirdantenna 510 may transmit the low band signal received from the outsideto the LB receiver circuit 530. For another example, the third antenna510 may transmit the high band signal or the middle band signal receivedfrom the outside to the H/MB receiver circuit 540. A distance betweenthe third antenna 510 and the first antenna 410 and a distance betweenthe third antenna 510 and the second antenna 420 may be longer than adistance between the first antenna 410 and the second antenna 420. Forexample, the third antenna 510 may be positioned at an upper end of theelectronic device, and the first antenna 410 and the second antenna 420may be positioned at a lower end of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the LB receiver circuit 530 may beelectrically connected with the third antenna 510 through the signaldistributer 520. The LB receiver circuit 530 may receive the low bandsignal from the third antenna 510.

According to an embodiment, the H/MB receiver circuit 540 may beelectrically connected with the third antenna 510 through the signaldistributer 520. The H/MB receiver circuit 540 may receive the high bandsignal or the middle band signal from the third antenna 510.

According to an embodiment, the signal distributer 520 may selectivelyor simultaneously connect the third antenna 510 with the LB receivercircuit 530 or the H/MB receiver circuit 540. For example, the signaldistributer 520 may transmit the low band signal of the signaltransmitted from the third antenna 510 to the LB receiver circuit 530and may transmit the middle band signal and the high band signal thereofto the H/MB receiver circuit 540. The signal distributer 520 mayinclude, for example, a switch, a diplexer, a duplexer, or the like. Theswitch may selectively connect the third antenna 510 with the LBreceiver circuit 530 or the H/MB receiver circuit 540. The diplexer orthe duplexer may simultaneously connect the third antenna 510 with theLB receiver circuit 530 or the H/MB receiver circuit 540. In the casewhere the signal distributer 520 includes the diplexer, the signaldistributer 520 may separate the low band signal and the highband/middle band signal. The signal distributer 520 may separate asignal and may transmit the separated signal to a circuit, which issuitable for receiving the separated signal, from among the LB receivercircuit 530 or the H/MB receiver circuit 540.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include threecircuits (the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 440, the H/MB receivercircuit 460, and the H/MB receiver circuit 540) which are simultaneouslyconnected with three respective antennas (e.g., the first antenna 410,the second antenna 420, and the third antenna 510) of two antennas ofthe main part 400 and one antenna of the diversity part 500 and mayreceive the high band signal at the same time.

According to an embodiment, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 440,the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 450, and the H/MB receiver circuit460 may be implemented in a first communication circuit included in themain part 400. For another example, the LB receiver circuit 530 and theH/MB receiver circuit 540 may be implemented in a second communicationcircuit included in the diversity part 500. A communication circuit mayreceive the high band signal and/or the middle band signal at the sametime through a plurality of antennas included in the electronic device.For example, in the case where the high band signal and/or the middleband signal is received by the second antenna 420, the signaldistributer 430 may allow the signal received by the second antenna 420to be transmitted to the H/MB receiver circuit 460; in the case wherethe high band signal and/or the middle band signal is received by thethird antenna 510, the signal distributer 520 may allow the signalreceived by the third antenna 510 to be transmitted to the H/MB receivercircuit 540. In the case where the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 440is connected with the first antenna 410, the H/MB receiver circuit 460is connected with the second antenna 420, and the H/MB receiver circuit540 is connected with the third antenna 510, the communication circuitmay be configured to simultaneously receive at least a part of the highband signal or the middle band signal received by the first antenna 410,the second antenna 420, and the third antenna 510 by using the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 440, the H/MB receiver circuit 460, and theH/MB receiver circuit 540.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, an electronic device may include the main part 400which includes the first antenna 410, the second antenna 420, the signaldistributer 430, an MB transmitter/receiver circuit 441, an HBtransmitter/receiver circuit 442, an LB transmitter/receiver circuit450, an MB receiver circuit 461, an HB receiver circuit 462, a firstswitch 470, and a second switch 480. The electronic device may includethe diversity part 500 which includes the third antenna 510, the signaldistributer 520, the LB receiver circuit 530, an MB receiver circuit541, an HB receiver circuit 542, and a third switch 550.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may receive the highband signal or the middle band signal at the same time through threeantennas. For example, a signal received by the first antenna 410 may betransmitted to the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 441 or the HBtransmitter/receiver circuit 442, a signal received by the secondantenna 420 may be transmitted to the MB receiver circuit 461 or the HBreceiver circuit 462 through the signal distributer 430 and the secondswitch 480, and a signal received by the third antenna 510 may betransmitted to the MB receiver circuit 541 or the HB receiver circuit542 through the signal distributer 520 and the third switch 550.

According to an embodiment, the first antenna 410, the second antenna420, the signal distributer 430, the MB transmitter/receiver circuit441, the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 442, the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 450, the MB receiver circuit 461, the HBreceiver circuit 462, and the second switch 480 included in the mainpart 400 may be the same as the first antenna 110, the second antenna120, the signal distributer 130, the MB transmitter/receiver circuit141, the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 142, the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 150, the MB receiver circuit 161, the HBreceiver circuit 162, and the switch 180 illustrated in FIG. 2.

According to an embodiment, the first switch 470 may define a connectionof the first antenna 410 with the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 441and the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 442. The first switch 470 mayconnect, for example, the first antenna 410 and the MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 441, and may connect the first antenna 410and the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 442. The operation of the firstswitch 470 may be controlled by, for example, a control circuit, atransceiver (e.g., the transceiver 1720 of FIG. 17A), or a communicationprocessor (e.g., the communication processor 1730 of FIG. 17A).

According to an embodiment, the LB receiver circuit 530, the MB receivercircuit 541, or the HB receiver circuit 542 may be electricallyconnected with the third antenna 510 of the diversity part 500 throughthe third electrical path. The third electrical path may be changed bythe signal distributer 520 or the third switch 550.

According to an embodiment, the MB receiver circuit 541 may beelectrically connected with the signal distributer 520 through the thirdswitch 550. The MB receiver circuit 541 may receive the middle bandsignal from the third antenna 510.

According to an embodiment, the HB receiver circuit 542 may beelectrically connected with the signal distributer 520 through the thirdswitch 550. The HB receiver circuit 542 may receive the high band signalfrom the third antenna 510.

According to an embodiment, the third switch 550 may define a connectionof the signal distributer 520 with the MB receiver circuit 541 or the HBreceiver circuit 542. The third switch 550 may connect, for example, thesignal distributer 520 and the MB receiver circuit 541, and may connectthe signal distributer 520 and the HB receiver circuit 542. Theoperation of the third switch 550 may be controlled by, for example, acontrol circuit, a transceiver (e.g., the transceiver 1720 of FIG. 17A),or a communication processor (e.g., the communication processor 1730 ofFIG. 17A).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include threecircuits (the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 442, the HB receivercircuit 462, and the HB receiver circuit 542) which are simultaneouslyconnected with three respective antennas (e.g., the first antenna 410,the second antenna 420, and the third antenna 510), for example, twoantennas of the main part 400 and one antenna of the diversity part 500and may receive the high band signal at the same time. For anotherexample, the electronic device may include three circuits (the MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 441, the MB receiver circuit 461, and theMB receiver circuit 541) which are simultaneously connected with threerespective antennas and may receive the middle band signal at the sametime.

According to an embodiment, the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 441, theHB transmitter/receiver circuit 442, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit450, the MB receiver circuit 461, and the HB receiver circuit 462 may beimplemented in a first communication circuit included in the main part400. For another example, the LB receiver circuit 530, the MB receivercircuit 541, and the HB receiver circuit 542 may be implemented in asecond communication circuit included in the diversity part 500. Acommunication circuit may receive the high band signal or the middleband signal at the same time through a plurality of antennas included inthe electronic device. For example, in the case where the middle bandsignal (or the high band signal) is received by the first antenna 410,the first switch 470 may allow the signal received by the first antenna410 to be transmitted to the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 441 (or theHB transmitter/receiver circuit 442). In the case where the middle bandsignal (or the high band signal) is received by the second antenna 420,the second switch 480 may allow the signal received by the secondantenna 420 to be transmitted to the MB receiver circuit 461 (or the HBreceiver circuit 462). In the case where the middle band signal (or thehigh band signal) is received by the third antenna 510, the signaldistributer 520 and the third switch 550 may allow the signal receivedby the third antenna 510 to be transmitted to the MB receiver circuit541 (or the HB receiver circuit 542). In the case where the MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 441 (or the HB transmitter/receiver circuit442) is connected with the first antenna 410, the MB receiver circuit461 (or the HB receiver circuit 462) is connected with the secondantenna 420, and the MB receiver circuit 541 (or the HB receiver circuit542) is connected with the third antenna 510, the communication circuitmay be configured to simultaneously receive the middle band signals (orthe high band signals) from the first antenna 410, the second antenna420, and the third antenna 510. For another example, the firstcommunication circuit and the second communication circuit may beimplemented with one integrated module depending on the implementationof the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, an electronic device of FIG. 6 may be configuredsuch that the MB receiver circuit 461 is connected with the first switch470 and such that the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 441 is connectedwith the second switch 480.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may receive the highband signal or the middle band signal at the same time through threeantennas. For example, a signal received by the first antenna 410 may betransmitted to the MB receiver circuit 461 or the HBtransmitter/receiver circuit 442; at the same time, a signal received bythe second antenna 420 may be transmitted to the MB transmitter/receivercircuit 441 or the HB receiver circuit 462 through the signaldistributer 430 and the second switch 480; at the same time, a signalreceived by the third antenna 510 may be transmitted to the MB receivercircuit 541 or the HB receiver circuit 542 through the signaldistributer 520 and the third switch 550.

According to an embodiment, the MB receiver circuit 461 may beelectrically connected with the first antenna 410 through the firstswitch 470. The MB receiver circuit 461 may receive the middle bandsignal from the first antenna 410.

According to an embodiment, the first switch 470 may define a connectionof the first antenna 410 with the MB receiver circuit 461 and the HBtransmitter/receiver circuit 442. The first switch 470 may connect, forexample, the first antenna 410 and the MB receiver circuit 461, and mayconnect the first antenna 410 and the HB transmitter/receiver circuit442.

According to an embodiment, the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 441 maybe electrically connected with the signal distributer 430 through thesecond switch 480. The MB transmitter/receiver circuit 441 may receivethe middle band signal from the second antenna 420 and may transmit themiddle band signal to the second antenna 420.

According to an embodiment, the second switch 480 may define aconnection of the second antenna 420 with the MB transmitter/receivercircuit 441 and the HB receiver circuit 462. The second switch 480 480may connect, for example, the second antenna 420 and the MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 441, and may connect the second antenna 420and the HB receiver circuit 462.

According to an embodiment, the MB receiver circuit 461, the HBtransmitter/receiver circuit 442, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit450, the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 441, and the HB receivercircuit 462 may be implemented in a first communication circuit includedin the main part 400. For another example, the LB receiver circuit 530,the MB receiver circuit 541, and the HB receiver circuit 542 may beimplemented in a second communication circuit included in the diversitypart 500. A communication circuit may receive the high band signal orthe middle band signal at the same time through a plurality of antennasincluded in the electronic device. For example, in the case where themiddle band signal (or the high band signal) is received by the firstantenna 410, the first switch 470 may allow the signal received by thefirst antenna 410 to be transmitted to the MB receiver circuit 461 (orthe HB transmitter/receiver circuit 442). In the case where the middleband signal (or the high band signal) is received by the second antenna420, the signal distributer 430 and the second switch 480 may allow thesignal received by the second antenna 420 to be transmitted to the MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 441 (or the HB receiver circuit 462). Inthe case where the middle band signal (or the high band signal) isreceived by the third antenna 510, the signal distributer 520 and thethird switch 550 may allow the signal received by the third antenna 510to be transmitted to the MB receiver circuit 541 (or the HB receivercircuit 542). In the case where the MB receiver circuit 461 (or the HBtransmitter/receiver circuit 442) is connected with the first antenna410, the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 441 (or the HB receiver circuit462) is connected with the second antenna 420, and the MB receivercircuit 541 (or the HB receiver circuit 542) is connected with the thirdantenna 510, the communication circuit may be configured tosimultaneously receive the middle band signals (or the high bandsignals) from the first antenna 410, the second antenna 420, and thethird antenna 510.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, an electronic device may include the main part 400,the diversity part 500, and a switching circuit 600. For example, themain part 400 may include the first antenna 410, the second antenna 420,the signal distributer 430, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 440,the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 450, and the H/MB receiver circuit460, and the diversity part 500 may include the third antenna 510, thesignal distributer 520, the LB receiver circuit 530, and the H/MBreceiver circuit 540.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may receive the highband signal or the middle band signal at the same time through threeantennas. For example, a signal received by the first antenna 410, thesecond antenna 420, and the third antenna 510 may be transmitted to theH/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 440, the signal distributer 430, orthe signal distributer 520 through the switching circuit 600. The signaldistributer 430 may transmit the transmitted signal to the H/MB receivercircuit 460, and the signal distributer 520 may transmit the transmittedsignal to the H/MB receiver circuit 540.

According to an embodiment, the switching circuit 600 may define aconnection of a communication circuit with the first antenna 410, thesecond antenna 420, and the third antenna 510. For example, theswitching circuit 600 may electrically connect the first antenna 410with the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 440, the signal distributer430, or the signal distributer 520. For example, the switching circuit600 may electrically connect the second antenna 420 with a component,which is not connected with the first antenna 410, from among the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 440, the signal distributer 430, or thesignal distributer 520. For example, the switching circuit 600 mayelectrically connect the third antenna 510 with a component, which isnot connected with the first antenna 410 and the second antenna 420,from among the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 440, the signaldistributer 430, or the signal distributer 520. The operation of theswitching circuit 600 may be controlled by, for example, a controlcircuit, a transceiver (e.g., the transceiver 1720 of FIG. 17A), or acommunication processor (e.g., the communication processor 1730 of FIG.17A).

According to an embodiment, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 440,the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 450, and the H/MB receiver circuit460 may be implemented in a first communication circuit included in themain part 400. For another example, the LB receiver circuit 530 and theH/MB receiver circuit 540 may be implemented in a second communicationcircuit included in the diversity part 500. A communication circuit mayreceive the high band signal and/or the middle band signal at the sametime through a plurality of antennas included in the electronic device.For example, in the case where the high band signal and/or the middleband signal is received by the first antenna 410, the second antenna420, and the third antenna 510, the switching circuit 600, the signaldistributer 430, and the signal distributer 520 may allow the signalreceived by the first antenna 410, the second antenna 420, and the thirdantenna 510 to be transmitted to the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit440, the H/MB receiver circuit 460, and the H/MB receiver circuit 540.In the case where the first antenna 410, the second antenna 420, and thethird antenna 510 are respectively connected with the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 440, the H/MB receiver circuit 460, and theH/MB receiver circuit 540, the communication circuit may be configuredto simultaneously receive at least a part of the high band signal and/orthe middle band signal received by the first antenna 410, the secondantenna 420, and the third antenna 510 by using the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 440, the H/MB receiver circuit 460, and theH/MB receiver circuit 540.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are block diagrams illustrating a configuration of anantenna and an RF circuit included in an electronic device according toan embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8A, an electronic device may include a main part 800which includes a first antenna 810, a second antenna 820, a signaldistributer 830, an H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 840, an LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 850, and an H/MB receiver circuit 860, anda diversity part 900 which includes a third antenna 910, a fourthantenna 920, a signal distributer 930, an LB receiver circuit 940, anH/MB receiver circuit 950, and an H/MB receiver circuit 960.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may receive the highband signal or the middle band signal at the same time through fourantennas. For example, a signal received by the first antenna 810 may betransmitted to the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 840. A signalreceived by the second antenna 820 may be transmitted to the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 850 or the H/MB receiver circuit 860through the signal distributer 830 depending on a band of the signal. Asignal received by the third antenna 910 may be transmitted to the LBreceiver circuit 940 or the H/MB receiver circuit 950 through the signaldistributer 930 depending on a band of the signal. A signal received bythe fourth antenna 920 may be transmitted to the H/MB receiver circuit960.

According to an embodiment, the main part 800 may be configured toreceive or transmit a signal from or to the outside through the firstantenna 810 and the second antenna 820. The first antenna 810, thesecond antenna 820, the signal distributer 430, the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 840, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit850, and the H/MB receiver circuit 860 included in the main part 800 maybe the same as the first antenna 410, the second antenna 420, the signaldistributer 430, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 440, the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 450, and the H/MB receiver circuit 460illustrated in FIG. 4.

According to an embodiment, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 840may be electrically connected with the first antenna 810 through a firstelectrical path. The first electrical path may be configured to transmitthe high band signal and the middle band signal. The first electricalpath may be connected with a first port of a first communication circuitwhich transmits/receives the high band signal and the middle bandsignal. The first port may be electrically connected with, for example,the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 840.

According to an embodiment, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 850 orthe H/MB receiver circuit 860 may be electrically connected with thesecond antenna 820 through a second electrical path. The secondelectrical path may be configured to transmit the high band signal, themiddle band signal, and the low band signal. The second electrical pathmay simultaneously or selectively transmit the high band signal, themiddle band signal, and the low band signal. The second electrical pathmay be changed by the signal distributer 830. For example, depending onan operation of the signal distributer 830, the second antenna 820 maybe electrically connected with the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 850through the second electrical path or may be connected with the H/MBreceiver circuit 860 through the second electrical path. The secondelectrical path may be connected with a second port of the firstcommunication circuit which transmits/receives the low band signal. Thesecond port may be electrically connected with, for example, the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 850.

According to an embodiment, the diversity part 900 may be configured toreceive a signal from the outside through the third antenna 910 and thefourth antenna 920. The third antenna 910, the signal distributer 930,the LB receiver circuit 940, and the H/MB receiver circuit 950 includedin the diversity part 900 may be the same as the third antenna 510, thesignal distributer 520, the LB receiver circuit 530, and the H/MBreceiver circuit 540 illustrated in FIG. 4.

According to an embodiment, the fourth antenna 920 may receive a signalfrom the outside. The fourth antenna 920 may receive, for example, thehigh band signal or the middle band signal. The fourth antenna 920 maybe electrically connected with the H/MB receiver circuit 960. The fourthantenna 920 may transmit the high band signal or the middle band signalreceived from the outside to the H/MB receiver circuit 960. The fourthantenna 920 may be positioned adjacent to the third antenna 910. Foranother example, a distance between the fourth antenna 920 and the firstantenna 810 and a distance between the fourth antenna 920 and the secondantenna 820 may be longer than a distance between the first antenna 810and the second antenna 820. For example, the third antenna 910 and thefourth antenna 920 may be positioned at an upper end of the electronicdevice, and the first antenna 810 and the second antenna 820 may bepositioned at a lower end of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the H/MB receiver circuit 960 may beelectrically connected with the fourth antenna 920. The H/MB receivercircuit 960 may receive the high band signal or the middle band signalfrom the fourth antenna 920.

According to an embodiment, the LB receiver circuit 940 or the H/MBreceiver circuit 950 may be electrically connected with the thirdantenna 910 through a third electrical path. The third electrical pathmay be configured to transmit the high band signal, the middle bandsignal, and the low band signal. The third electrical path maysimultaneously or selectively transmit the high band signal, the middleband signal, and the low band signal. The third electrical path may bechanged by the signal distributer 930. For example, depending on anoperation of the signal distributer 930, the third antenna 910 may beelectrically connected with the LB receiver circuit 940 through thethird electrical path or may be connected with the H/MB receiver circuit950 through the third electrical path. The third electrical path may beconnected with a second port of a second communication circuit. Thesecond port may be connected with, for example, the LB receiver circuit940. According to an embodiment, the H/MB receiver circuit 960 may beelectrically connected with the fourth antenna 920 through a fourthelectrical path. The fourth electrical path may be configured totransmit the high band signal and the middle band signal. The fourthelectrical path may be connected with a first port of the secondcommunication circuit which receives the high band signal and the middleband signal. The first port may be connected with, for example, the H/MBreceiver circuit 960.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include fourcircuits (the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 840, the H/MB receivercircuit 860, the H/MB receiver circuit 950, and the H/MB receivercircuit 960) which are simultaneously connected with two antennas of themain part 800 and two antennas of the diversity part 900, that is, fourrespective antennas (e.g., the first antenna 810, the second antenna820, the third antenna 910, and the fourth antenna 920) and may receivethe high band signal or the middle band signal at the same time.

According to an embodiment, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 840,the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 850, and the H/MB receiver circuit860 may be implemented in the first communication circuit included inthe main part 800. For another example, the LB receiver circuit 940, theH/MB receiver circuit 950, and the H/MB receiver circuit 960 may beimplemented in the second communication circuit included in thediversity part 900. The first communication circuit and the secondcommunication circuit may be configured to simultaneously receive thehigh band signal and/or the middle band signal from four antennas (thefirst antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the third antenna 910, andthe fourth antenna 920) by using four receiver circuits (the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 840, the H/MB receiver circuit 860, theH/MB receiver circuit 950, and the H/MB receiver circuit 960). Forexample, in the case where the high band signal and/or the middle bandsignal is received by the second antenna 820, the signal distributer 830may allow the signal received by the second antenna 820 to betransmitted to the H/MB receiver circuit 860. In the case where the highband signal and/or the middle band signal is received by the thirdantenna 910, the signal distributer 930 may allow the signal received bythe third antenna 910 to be transmitted to the H/MB receiver circuit950. Also, the first communication circuit and the second communicationcircuit may be implemented with one integrated module depending on theimplementation of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8B, an electronic device may include the main part 800which includes the first antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the signaldistributer 830, an HB transmitter/receiver/MB receiver circuit 846, theLB transmitter/receiver circuit 850, and an MB transmitter/receiver/HBreceiver circuit 864, and the diversity part 900 which includes thethird antenna 910, the fourth antenna 920, the signal distributer 930,the LB receiver circuit 940, the H/MB receiver circuit 950, and the H/MBreceiver circuit 960.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may receive the highband signal or the middle band signal at the same time through fourantennas. For example, a signal received by the first antenna 810 may betransmitted to the HB transmitter/receiver/MB receiver circuit 846. Asignal received by the second antenna 820 may be transmitted to the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 850 or the MB transmitter/receiver/HBreceiver circuit 864 through the signal distributer 830 depending on aband of the signal. A signal received by the third antenna 910 may betransmitted to the LB receiver circuit 940 or the H/MB receiver circuit950 through the signal distributer 930 depending on a band of thesignal. A signal received by the fourth antenna 920 may be transmittedto the H/MB receiver circuit 960.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include the HBtransmitter/receiver/MB receiver circuit 846 in which an HBtransmitter/receiver circuit and an MB receiver circuit are combined.The HB transmitter/receiver/MB receiver circuit 846 may be electricallyconnected with the first antenna 810. The HB transmitter/receiver/MBreceiver circuit 846 may transmit the high band signal to the firstantenna 810, and may receive the high band signal and the middle bandsignal from the first antenna 810. The HB transmitter/receiver circuitor the MB receiver circuit included in the HB transmitter/receiver/MBreceiver circuit 846 may be selectively or simultaneously connected withthe first antenna 810.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include the MBtransmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 864 in which an MBtransmitter/receiver circuit and an HB receiver circuit are combined.The MB transmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 864 may be electricallyconnected with the second antenna 820 through the signal distributer830. The MB transmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 864 may transmitthe middle band signal to the second antenna 820, and may receive thehigh band signal and the middle band signal from the second antenna 820.The MB transmitter/receiver circuit or the HB receiver circuit includedin the MB transmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 864 may beselectively or simultaneously connected with the second antenna 820.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a modulein which two or more circuits such as the H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 840, the H/MB receiver circuit 860, the HBtransmitter/receiver/MB receiver circuit 846, the MBtransmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 864, or the like are combined.FIGS. 8A and 8B show the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 840, the H/MBreceiver circuit 860, the HB transmitter/receiver/MB receiver circuit846, and the MB transmitter/receiver/HB receiver circuit 864, but theelectronic device may include various types of modules in which two ormore circuits such as an HB transmitter/receiver circuit, an MBtransmitter/receiver circuit, an LB transmitter/receiver circuit, an HBreceiver circuit, an MB receiver circuit, or an LB receiver circuit arecombined.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antenna andan RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, an electronic device may include the main part 800which includes the first antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the signaldistributer 830, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 840, the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 850, the H/MB receiver circuit 860, and aswitching circuit 870, and the diversity part 900 which includes thethird antenna 910, the fourth antenna 920, the signal distributer 930,the LB receiver circuit 940, the H/MB receiver circuit 950, the H/MBreceiver circuit 960, and a switching circuit 970.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may receive the highband signal or the middle band signal at the same time through fourantennas. For example, a signal received by the first antenna 810 or thesecond antenna 820 may be transmitted to the H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 840, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 850, or the H/MBreceiver circuit 860 through the switching circuit 870 and/or the signaldistributer 830 depending on a band of the signal. For example, a signalreceived by the third antenna 910 or the fourth antenna 920 may betransmitted to the LB receiver circuit 940, the H/MB receiver circuit950, or the H/MB receiver circuit 960 through the switching circuit 970and/or the signal distributer 930 depending on a band of the signal.

According to an embodiment, the switching circuit 870 of the main part800 may define a connection of a first communication circuit with thefirst antenna 810 and the second antenna 820. The switching circuit 870may be electrically connected with the first antenna 810, the secondantenna 820, the signal distributer 830, and the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 840. The switching circuit 870 may connect,for example, the first antenna 810 and the H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 840, and may connect the first antenna 810 and the signaldistributer 830. For another example, the switching circuit 870 mayconnect a component, which is not connected with the first antenna 810,from among the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 840 and the signaldistributer 830 with the second antenna 820.

According to an embodiment, the first antenna 810 may be electricallyconnected with a first communication circuit through a first electricalpath. The first electrical path may be connected with a first port ofthe first communication circuit which transmits/receives the high bandsignal and the middle band signal and a second port of the firstcommunication circuit which transmits/receives the low band signal. Thefirst electrical path may be changed by the switching circuit 870 or thesignal distributer 830.

According to an embodiment, the second antenna 820 may be electricallyconnected with the first communication circuit through a secondelectrical path. The second electrical path may be connected with thefirst port of the first communication circuit which transmits/receivesthe high band signal and the middle band signal and the second port ofthe first communication circuit which transmits/receives the low bandsignal. The second electrical path may be changed by the switchingcircuit 870 or the signal distributer 830.

According to an embodiment, the switching circuit 970 of the diversitypart 900 may define a connection of a second communication circuit withthe third antenna 910 and the fourth antenna 920. The switching circuit970 may be electrically connected with the third antenna 910, the fourthantenna 920, the signal distributer 930, and the H/MB receiver circuit960. The switching circuit 970 may connect, for example, the thirdantenna 910 and the H/MB receiver circuit 960, and may connect the thirdantenna 910 and the signal distributer 930. For another example, theswitching circuit 970 may connect a component, which is not connectedwith the third antenna 910, from among the H/MB receiver circuit 960 andthe signal distributer 930 with the fourth antenna 920.

According to an embodiment, the third antenna 910 may be electricallyconnected with the second communication circuit through a thirdelectrical path. The third electrical path may be connected with a firstport of the second communication circuit which transmits/receives thehigh band signal and the middle band signal and a second port of thesecond communication circuit which transmits/receives the low bandsignal. The third electrical path may be changed by the switchingcircuit 970 or the signal distributer 930.

According to an embodiment, the fourth antenna 920 may be electricallyconnected with the second communication circuit through a fourthelectrical path. The fourth electrical path may be connected with thefirst port of the second communication circuit which transmits/receivesthe high band signal and the middle band signal and the second port ofthe second communication circuit which transmits/receives the low bandsignal. The fourth electrical path may be changed by the switchingcircuit 970 or the signal distributer 930.

According to an embodiment, the first antenna 810 and the second antenna820 may be connected with one of the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit840, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 850, and the H/MB receivercircuit 860 included in the first communication circuit by the switchingcircuit 870. The third antenna 910 and the fourth antenna 920 may beconnected with one of the LB receiver circuit 940, the H/MB receivercircuit 950, and the H/MB receiver circuit 960 included in the secondcommunication circuit by the switching circuit 970. In the case wherethe high band signal and/or the middle band signal is received by thefirst antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the third antenna 910, andthe fourth antenna 920, the switching circuit 870 and the signaldistributer 830 may allow the signal received by the first antenna 810and the second antenna 820 to be transmitted to the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 840 and the H/MB receiver circuit 860, andthe switching circuit 970 and the signal distributer 930 may allow thesignal received by the third antenna 910 and the fourth antenna 920 tobe transmitted to the H/MB receiver circuit 950 and the H/MB receivercircuit 960.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10, an electronic device may further include atransceiver 890 of the main part 800 and a transceiver 990 of thediversity part 900.

According to an embodiment, the signal distributer 830 may beimplemented with a diplexer. The signal distributer 830 may filter areceived signal for each frequency band and may transmit the low bandsignal to the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 850 and the high bandsignal and the middle band signal to the H/MB receiver circuit 860.

According to an embodiment, the signal distributer 930 may beimplemented with a diplexer. The signal distributer 930 may filter areceived signal for each frequency band and may transmit the low bandsignal to the LB receiver circuit 940 and the high band signal and themiddle band signal to the H/MB receiver circuit 950.

According to an embodiment, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 840may include four duplexers 840 a, 840 b, 840 c, and 840 d, two poweramplifiers 840 e and 840 g, and two low noise amplifiers (LNAs) 840 fand 840 h. A transmit signal received from the transceiver 890 may betransmitted to the first antenna 810 or the second antenna 820 throughthe duplexer 840 a, 840 b, 840 c, or 840 d after being amplified by thepower amplifier 840 e or 840 g. A receive signal received from the firstantenna 810 or the second antenna 820 may be transmitted to thetransceiver 890 after being amplified by the LNA 840 f or 840 h throughthe duplexer 840 a, 840 b, 840 c, or 840 d.

According to an embodiment, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 850 mayinclude two duplexers 850 a and 850 b, a power amplifier 850 c, and anLNA 850 d. A transmit signal received from the transceiver 890 may betransmitted to the first antenna 810 or the second antenna 820 throughthe duplexer 850 a or 850 b after being amplified by the power amplifier850 c. A receive signal received from the first antenna 810 or thesecond antenna 820 may be transmitted to the transceiver 890 afterpassing through the duplexer 850 a or 850 b and being amplified by theLNA 850 d. The duplexer 840 a, 840 b, 840 c, or 840 d through which asignal passes may be selected by a switch.

According to an embodiment, the H/MB receiver circuit 860 may includefour band pass filters (hereinafter referred to as a “BPF) 860 a, 860 b,860 c, and 860 d and an LNA 860 e. A receive signal received from thefirst antenna 810 or the second antenna 820 may be transmitted to thetransceiver 890 after passing through the BPF 860 a, 860 b, 860 c, or860 d and being amplified by the LNA 860 e. The BPF 860 a, 860 b, 860 c,or 860 d through which a signal passes may be selected by a switch.

According to an embodiment, the transceiver 890 of the main part 800 mayconvert a receive signal transmitted from the LNA 840 f, 840 h, 850 d,or 860 e to a baseband signal. The transceiver 890 may transmit thebaseband signal to a communication processor (e.g., the communicationprocessor 1730 of FIG. 17A). The transceiver 890 may receive thebaseband signal from the communication processor. The transceiver 890may convert the baseband signal to an RF band signal to generate atransmit signal and may transmit the transmit signal to the poweramplifier 840 e, 840 g, or 850 c.

According to an embodiment, the H/MB receiver circuit 960 may includefour band pass filters (hereinafter referred to as a “BPF) 960 a, 960 b,960 c, and 960 d and an LNA 960 e. A receive signal received from thethird antenna 910 or the fourth antenna 920 may be transmitted to thetransceiver 990 after passing through the BPF 960 a, 960 b, 960 c, or960 d and being amplified by the LNA 960 e. The BPF 960 a, 960 b, 960 c,or 960 d through which a signal passes may be selected by a switch.

According to an embodiment, the LB receiver circuit 940 may include twoband pass filters (hereinafter referred to as a “BPF) 940 a and 940 band an LNA 940 c. A receive signal received from an antenna, whichsupports the low band signal, from among the third antenna 910 or thefourth antenna 920 may be transmitted to the transceiver 990 after beingamplified by the LNA 940 c through the BPF 940 a or 940 b. The BPF 940 aor 940 b through which a signal passes may be selected by a switch.

According to an embodiment, the H/MB receiver circuit 950 may includefour band pass filters (hereinafter referred to as a “BPF) 950 a, 950 b,950 c, and 950 d and an LNA 950 e. A receive signal received from thethird antenna 910 or the fourth antenna 920 may be transmitted to thetransceiver 990 after passing through the BPF 950 a, 950 b, 950 c, or950 d and being amplified by the LNA 950 e. The BPF 950 a, 950 b, 950 c,or 950 d through which a signal passes may be selected by a switch.

According to an embodiment, the transceiver 990 of the diversity part900 may convert a receive signal transmitted from the LNA 940 c, 950 e,or 960 e to a baseband signal. The transceiver 990 may transmit thebaseband signal to a communication processor (e.g., the communicationprocessor 1730 of FIG. 17A).

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may receive the highband signal or the middle band signal at the same time through fourantennas. For example, a signal received by the first antenna 810 or thesecond antenna 820 may be transmitted to one of circuits included in themain part 800 through the switching circuit 1187 and/or the signaldistributer 830 depending on a band of the signal. At the same time, asignal received by the third antenna 910 or the fourth antenna 920 maybe transmitted to one of circuits included in the diversity part 900through the switching circuit 970 and/or the signal distributer 930depending on a band of the signal.

Referring to FIG. 11, the main part 800 according to an embodiment mayinclude an MB transmitter/receiver circuit 841, an HBtransmitter/receiver circuit 842, an LB transmitter/receiver circuit850, an MB receiver circuit 861, an HB receiver circuit 862, a switchingcircuit 1187, and a first switch 880.

According to an embodiment, the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 841, theHB transmitter/receiver circuit 842, the MB receiver circuit 861, the HBreceiver circuit 862, the switching circuit 1187, and the first switch880 of the main part 400 may be the same as the MB transmitter/receivercircuit 141, the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 142, the MB receivercircuit 161, the HB receiver circuit 162, the switching circuit 170, andthe switch 180 of FIG. 2.

According to an embodiment, the diversity part 900 may include an LBreceiver circuit 940, an MB receiver circuit 951, an HB receiver circuit952, an MB receiver circuit 961, an HB receiver circuit 962, a secondswitch 981, and a third switch 982.

According to an embodiment, the MB receiver circuit 951 may beelectrically connected with the signal distributer 930 through thesecond switch 981. The MB receiver circuit 951 may receive the middleband signal from the third antenna 910 or the fourth antenna 920.

According to an embodiment, the HB receiver circuit 952 may beelectrically connected with the signal distributer 930 through thesecond switch 981. The HB receiver circuit 952 may receive the high bandsignal from the third antenna 910 or the fourth antenna 920.

According to an embodiment, the second switch 981 may define aconnection of the signal distributer 930 with the MB receiver circuit951 or the HB receiver circuit 952. The second switch 981 may connect,for example, the signal distributer 930 and the MB receiver circuit 951,and may connect the signal distributer 930 and the HB receiver circuit952. The operation of the second switch 981 may be controlled by, forexample, a control circuit, a transceiver (e.g., the transceiver 1720 ofFIG. 17A), or a communication processor (e.g., the communicationprocessor 1730 of FIG. 17A).

According to an embodiment, the MB receiver circuit 961 may beelectrically connected with the third antenna 910 or the fourth antenna920 through the third switch 982. The MB receiver circuit 961 mayreceive the middle band signal from the third antenna 910 or the fourthantenna 920.

According to an embodiment, the HB receiver circuit 962 may beelectrically connected with the third antenna 910 or the fourth antenna920 through the third switch 982. The HB receiver circuit 962 mayreceive the high band signal from the third antenna 910 or the fourthantenna 920.

According to an embodiment, the third switch 982 may define a connectionof the third antenna 910 or the fourth antenna 920 with the MB receivercircuit 961 or the HB receiver circuit 962. The third switch 982 mayconnect, for example, the third antenna 910 or the fourth antenna 920with the MB receiver circuit 961, and may connect the third antenna 910or the fourth antenna 920 with the HB receiver circuit 962. Theoperation of the third switch 982 may be controlled by, for example, acontrol circuit, a transceiver (e.g., the transceiver 1720 of FIG. 17A),or a communication processor (e.g., the communication processor 1730 ofFIG. 17A).

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include fourcircuits (the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 842, the HB receivercircuit 862, the HB receiver circuit 952, and the HB receiver circuit962) which are simultaneously connected with four respective antennas(e.g., the first antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the third antenna910, and the fourth antenna 920) and may receive the high band signal atthe same time. For another example, the electronic device may includefour circuits (the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 841, the MB receivercircuit 861, the MB receiver circuit 951, and the MB receiver circuit961) which are simultaneously connected with four respective antennas(e.g., the first antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the third antenna910, and the fourth antenna 920) and may receive the middle band signalat the same time.

According to an embodiment, the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 841, theHB transmitter/receiver circuit 842, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit850, the MB receiver circuit 861, and the HB receiver circuit 862 may beimplemented in a first communication circuit included in the main part800. For another example, the LB receiver circuit 940, the MB receivercircuit 951, the HB receiver circuit 952, the MB receiver circuit 961,and the HB receiver circuit 962 may be implemented in a secondcommunication circuit included in the diversity part 900. The firstcommunication circuit and the second communication circuit may beconfigured to simultaneously receive the high band signal from fourantennas (the first antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the thirdantenna 910, and the fourth antenna 920) by using four receiver circuits(the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 842, the HB receiver circuit 862,the HB receiver circuit 952, and the HB receiver circuit 962). Foranother example, the first communication circuit and the secondcommunication circuit may be configured to simultaneously receive themiddle band signal from four antennas (the first antenna 810, the secondantenna 820, the third antenna 910, and the fourth antenna 920) by usingfour receiver circuits (the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 841, the MBreceiver circuit 861, the MB receiver circuit 951, and the MB receivercircuit 961). For another example, the first communication circuit andthe second communication circuit may be implemented with one integratedmodule depending on the implementation of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 841 mayinclude two duplexers 841 a and 841 b, a power amplifier 841 c, and anLNA 841 d. For example, the MB transmitter/receiver circuit 841 mayoperate in a manner which is the same as an operation manner of the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 850 described with reference to FIG. 10.

According to an embodiment, the MB receiver circuit 861 may include twoBPFs 861 a and 861 b and an LNA 861 c. The MB receiver circuit 861 mayoperate in a manner which is the same as an operation manner of the LBreceiver circuit 940 described with reference to FIG. 10.

According to an embodiment, the HB transmitter/receiver circuit 842 mayinclude two duplexers 842 a and 842 b, a power amplifier 842 c, and anLNA 842 d. The HB transmitter/receiver circuit 842 may operate in amanner which is the same as an operation manner of the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 850.

According to an embodiment, the MB receiver circuit 961 may include twoBPFs 961 a and 961 b and an LNA 961 c. The MB receiver circuit 961 mayoperate in a manner which is the same as an operation manner of the LBreceiver circuit 940.

According to an embodiment, the HB receiver circuit 962 may include twoBPFs 962 a and 962 b and an LNA 962 c. The HB receiver circuit 962 mayoperate in a manner which is the same as an operation manner of the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 850.

According to an embodiment, the MB receiver circuit 951 may include twoBPFs 951 a and 951 b and an LNA 951 c. The MB receiver circuit 951 mayoperate in a manner which is the same as an operation manner of the LBreceiver circuit 940.

According to an embodiment, the HB receiver circuit 952 may include twoBPFs 952 a and 952 b and an LNA 952 c. The HB receiver circuit 952 mayoperate in a manner which is the same as an operation manner of the LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 850.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may receive the highband signal or the middle band signal at the same time through fourantennas. For example, a signal received by the first antenna 810 or thesecond antenna 820 may be transmitted to one of circuits included in themain part 800 and the diversity part 900 through a switching circuit1300 and the signal distributer 830 or 930 depending on a band of thesignal. A signal received by the third antenna 910 or the fourth antenna920 may be transmitted to one of circuits included in the main part 800and the diversity part 900 through the switching circuit 1300 and thesignal distributer 830 or 930 depending on a band of the signal.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further includethe main part 800 which includes the first antenna 810, the secondantenna 820, the signal distributer 830, the H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 840, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 850, and the H/MBreceiver circuit 860, the diversity part 900 which includes the thirdantenna 910, the fourth antenna 920, the signal distributer 930, the LBreceiver circuit 940, the H/MB receiver circuit 950, and the H/MBreceiver circuit 960, and the switching circuit 1300. The switchingcircuit 1300 may define a connection of a communication circuit with thefirst antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the third antenna 910, andthe fourth antenna 920. The switching circuit 1300 may electricallyconnect, for example, one of the first antenna 810, the second antenna820, the third antenna 910, or the fourth antenna 920 with one of theH/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 840, the signal distributer 830, thesignal distributer 930, or the H/MB receiver circuit 960. The switchingcircuit 1300 may allow the first antenna 810, the second antenna 820,the third antenna 910, and the fourth antenna 920 not to be connectedwith the same component. The operation of the switching circuit 1300 maybe controlled by, for example, a control circuit, a transceiver (e.g.,the transceiver 1720 of FIG. 17A), or a communication processor (e.g.,the communication processor 1730 of FIG. 17A).

According to an embodiment, the first antenna 810 or the second antenna820 may be connected with the second communication circuit of thediversity part 900 through the switching circuit 1300. For anotherexample, the third antenna 910 or the fourth antenna 920 may beconnected with the first communication circuit of the main part 800through the switching circuit 1300.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may receive the highband signal or the middle band signal at the same time through fourantennas. For example, a signal received by the second antenna 820 maybe transmitted to one of a circuit included in the main part 800 and apart of a circuit included in the diversity part 900 through a switchingcircuit 1400 and/or the signal distributer 830 depending on a band ofthe signal. At the same time, a signal received by the third antenna 910may be transmitted to one of a part of a circuit included in the mainpart 800 and a circuit included in the diversity part 900 through theswitching circuit 1300 and/or the signal distributer 930 depending on aband of the signal. Signals received by the first antenna 810 and thefourth antenna 920 may be respectively transmitted to the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 840 and the H/MB receiver circuit 960.According to an embodiment, the electronic device may further includethe main part 800 which includes the first antenna 810, the secondantenna 820, the signal distributer 830, the H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 840, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 850, and the H/MBreceiver circuit 860, the diversity part 900 which includes the thirdantenna 910, the fourth antenna 920, the signal distributer 930, the LBreceiver circuit 940, the H/MB receiver circuit 950, and the H/MBreceiver circuit 960, and the switching circuit 1400. The switchingcircuit 1400 may define a connection of the signal distributer 830 andthe signal distributer 930 with the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 850and the LB receiver circuit 940. The switching circuit 1400 mayelectrically connect one of the signal distributer 830 or the signaldistributer 930 with one of the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 850 orthe LB receiver circuit 940. The switching circuit 1400 may allow thesignal distributer 830 or the signal distributer 930 not to be connectedwith the same circuit. The operation of the switching circuit 1400 maybe controlled by, for example, a control circuit, a transceiver (e.g.,the transceiver 1720 of FIG. 17A), or a communication processor (e.g.,the communication processor 1730 of FIG. 17A).

According to an embodiment, the second antenna 820 may be connected withthe LB receiver circuit 940 of the diversity part 900 through the signaldistributer 830 and the switching circuit 1400. For another example, thethird antenna 910 may be connected with the LB transmitter/receivercircuit 850 of the main part 800 through the signal distributer 930 andthe switching circuit 1400.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, an electronic device may include a first main part1500 which includes a first antenna 1510, a second antenna 1520, asignal distributer 1530, an H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 1540, anLB transmitter/receiver circuit 1550, and an H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 1560, and a second main part 1600 which includes a third antenna1610, a fourth antenna 1620, a signal distributer 1630, an LBtransmitter/receiver circuit 1640, an H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit1650, and an H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 1660.

The electronic device according to an embodiment may transmit or receivethe high band signal or the middle band signal at the same time throughfourth antennas. For example, a signal received by the first antenna1510 may be transmitted to the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 1540;at the same time, a signal received by the second antenna 1520 may betransmitted to the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 1550 or the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 1560 through the signal distributer 1530depending on a band of the signal. A signal received by the thirdantenna 1610 may be transmitted to the LB transmitter/receiver circuit1640 or the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 1650 through the signaldistributer 1630 depending on a band of the signal, and a signalreceived by the fourth antenna 1620 may be transmitted to the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 1660. For another example, a signalgenerated by the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 1540 may be radiatedthrough the first antenna 1510; at the same time, a signal generated bythe LB transmitter/receiver circuit 1550 or the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 1560 may be radiated through the secondantenna 1520. A signal generated by the LB transmitter/receiver circuit1640 or the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 1650 may be radiatedthrough the third antenna 1610; at the same time, a signal generated bythe H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 1660 may be radiated through thefourth antenna 1620.

According to an embodiment, the first antenna 1510, the second antenna1520, the signal distributer 1530, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit1540, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 1550, and the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 1560 included in the first main part 1500may be the same as the first antenna 110, the second antenna 120, thesignal distributer 130, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 140, theLB transmitter/receiver circuit 150, and the H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 190 illustrated in FIG. 3.

According to an embodiment, the third antenna 1610, the fourth antenna1620, and the signal distributer 1630 of the second main part 1600 maybe the same as the first antenna 810, the second antenna 820, and thesignal distributer 830 of FIG. 3.

According to an embodiment, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 1640 mayreceive the low band signal from the third antenna 1610 and may transmitthe low band signal to the third antenna 1610. The H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 1650 may receive the middle band signal andthe high band signal from the third antenna 1610 and may transmit themiddle band signal and the high band signal to the third antenna 1610.The H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 1660 may receive the middle bandsignal and the high band signal from the fourth antenna 1620 and maytransmit the middle band signal and the high band signal to the fourthantenna 1620.

According to an embodiment, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 1540,the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 1550, and the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 1560 may be implemented in the firstcommunication circuit included in the first main part 1500. For anotherexample, the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 1640, the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 1650, and the H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 1660 may be implemented in the second communication circuitincluded in the second main part 1600. The first communication circuitand the second communication circuit may be configured to simultaneouslyreceive the high band signal and/or the middle band signal from fourantennas (the first antenna 1510, the second antenna 1520, the thirdantenna 1610, and the fourth antenna 1620) by using fourtransmitter/receiver circuits (the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit1540, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 1560, the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 1650, and the H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 1660). For another example, the first communication circuit andthe second communication circuit may be configured to simultaneouslyradiate the high band signal and/or the middle band signal from fourtransmitter/receiver circuits (the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit1540, the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 1560, the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 1650, and the H/MB transmitter/receivercircuit 1660) by using four antennas (the first antenna 1510, the secondantenna 1520, the third antenna 1610, and the fourth antenna 1620). Forexample, in the case where the high band signal and/or the middle bandsignal is generated in the electronic device, the signal distributer1530 may allow the high band signal and/or the middle band signal to betransmitted to the second antenna 1520 from the H/MBtransmitter/receiver circuit 1560. The signal distributer 1630 may allowthe high band signal and/or the middle band signal to be transmitted tothe third antenna 1610 from the H/MB transmitter/receiver circuit 1650.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may include a firstmain part and a second main part, which are capable of transmitting andreceiving signals. Accordingly, the electronic device according to anembodiment of the present disclosure may simultaneously receive or maysimultaneously transmit signals by using four antennas (the firstantenna 1510, the second antenna 1520, the third antenna 1610, and thefourth antenna 1620).

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an antennaand an RF circuit included in an electronic device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 16, an electronic device may receive signals invarious bands from the outside and may transmit the signals in variousbands to the outside.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device may transmit/receivesignals in the B7 and B30 bands by using an HB transmitter/receivercircuit 842. The electronic device may transmit/receive signals in theB1, B4, B25, and B3 bands by using an MB transmitter/receiver circuit841. The electronic device may receive signals in the B1, B4, B3, andB25 bands by using the H/MB receiver circuit 860. The H/MB receivercircuit 860 may include a dual surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter. Thesignals in the B1, B4, B3, and B25 bands may be filtered by the dual SAWfilter depending on a band. For example, the B25 and B3 signals may beoutput to an upper path of the filter, and the B1 and B4 signals may beoutput to a lower path of the filter. The electronic device maytransmit/receive signals in the B8, B12(17), B20, and B28A bands byusing the LB transmitter/receiver circuit 850. The electronic device mayreceive signals in the B1, B4, B7, B30, B38, B40, and B41 bands by usingthe H/MB receiver circuit 960. The electronic device may receive signalsin the B1, B3, B4, B7, B25, and B30 bands by using the H/MB receivercircuit 950. The electronic device may receive signals in the B8, B12,B13, B20, and B28 bands by using the LB receiver circuit 940.

FIG. 17A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of anelectronic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 17A, an electronic device may further include atransceiver and a communication processor.

According to an embodiment, an operation in which the electronic devicereceives a signal may be as follows. An LNA 1721 may amplify a signalprovided from a front end 1710 (e.g., a transmitter/receiver circuit ora receiver circuit). An Rx mixer 1723 may convert the amplified signalto a baseband signal. The Rx mixer 1723 may be a quadrature mixer. Thebaseband signal, for example, an I(in phase)/Q(quadrature) signal maypass through an LPF 1725. For example, the LPF 1725 may change a cutofffrequency. An Rx programmable gain amplifier (PGA) 1726 may amplify asignal filtered by the LPF 1725, and the amplified signal may betransmitted to the communication processor 1730. The communicationprocessor 1730 may demodulate a received I/Q signal.

According to an embodiment, an operation in which the electronic devicetransmits a signal may be as follows. A baseband signal modulated by thecommunication processor 1730, for example, an I/Q signal may betransmitted to the transceiver 1720 from the communication processor1730. The transmitted signal may be filtered by the LPF 1725. A Tx mixer1724 may convert the filtered signal to an RF band signal. The convertedRF band signal may be transmitted to the front end 1710 (e.g., atransmitter/receiver circuit or a transmit circuit) after beingamplified through a TX PGA 1722.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor 1730 may controlthe transceiver 1720 and the front end 1710. A control signal is markedby a dotted line. For convenience, the control signal is illustrated asbeing simultaneously connected. However, the connection may be madesimultaneously for each part, or the connection with the communicationprocessor 1730 may be separately made.

According to an embodiment, a transmission path of a control signal forthe transceiver 1720 and the front end 1710 may be separately connectedwith parts included in a circuit, or may be connected in common with thecommunication processor 1730 through an interface such as a mobileindustry processor interface (MIPI), an SPI, or the like. Thecommunication processor 1730 may connect a desired RF path bycontrolling a switch through the control signal, and may control andoperate a part (e.g., a PA) included in the path.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor 1730 may controlthe transceiver 1720 through a separate interface. The interface may bean MIPI. The communication processor 1730 may control operations ofparts included in the transceiver 1720 based on a selected communicationmethod. For example, an operating frequency of a mixer may be changedbased on the selected band and channel, and a gain of a PGA may beadjusted by a selected transmit power.

According to an embodiment, the communication processor 1730 maydetermine a receive power, quality, or a transmit power or may receiverelevant information from a base station. The communication processor1730 may control an operation by using information about currentconsumption or the like in the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, a control signal for the front end 1710 mayinclude a control signal for selecting an antenna, a control signal forselecting a band of an HB/LB Tx/Rx circuit, a PA control signal, acontrol signal for selecting a band of an HB Rx circuit, and a controlsignal for selecting a band of an LB Rx2, HB Rx2/Rx3 circuit.

According to an embodiment, the control signal for selecting the antennamay control a switching circuit depending on a determined way to use anantenna, thus selectively connecting the first antenna 810 or the secondantenna 820 with an LB/HB Tx/Rx circuit or an HB Rx circuit orselectively connecting the third antenna 910 or the fourth antenna 920with an LB/HB Rx circuit.

According to an embodiment, the control signal for selecting the band inthe HB/LB Tx/Rx circuit may control switches before and after a duplexerbased on a frequency band for communication, thus connecting to acommunication path using the duplexer supporting a relevantcommunication band.

According to an embodiment, the PA control signal in the HB/LB Tx/Rxcircuit may perform a control such as a gain mode, a bias voltage, anenable/disable, or the like of a PA depending on a determined transmitpower or whether to use.

According to an embodiment, the control signal for selecting the band inthe LB Rx circuit may control a switch connected with a BPF based on afrequency band for communication, thus connecting to a communicationpath using the BPF supporting a relevant communication band.

According to an embodiment, the control signal for selecting the band inthe LB/HB2/HB3 Rx circuit may control switches before and after a BPFbased on a frequency band for communication, thus connecting to acommunication path using the BPF supporting a relevant communicationband.

According to an embodiment, an LNA control signal in an LB/HB2/HB3 Rxcircuit may perform a control such as an enable/disable/bypass or thelike of an LNA.

According to an embodiment, the control signal of the transceiver 1720may include a control signal for the LNA 1721, a control signal for theTx PGA 1722, a control signal for selecting the LNA 1721, a controlsignal for the Rx mixer 1723, a control signal for the Tx mixer 1724, acontrol signal for the LPF 1725, a control signal for the Rx PGA 1726, acontrol signal for a Tx PLL (not illustrated), and a control signal foran Rx PLL (not illustrated). In FIG. 17A, for convenience, a controlsignal is illustrated as being connected in common to homogeneous parts,but independent connection and control may be made with regard to theparts.

According to an embodiment, the control signal for the LNA 1721 mayperform a control such as an enable/disable/bypass or the like of theLNA 1721.

According to an embodiment, the control signal for the Tx PGA 1722 maychange a gain of the Tx PGA 1722 depending on a determined transmitpower. An enable/disable control may be made depending on whether touse.

According to an embodiment, the control signal for selecting the LNA1721 may connect the LNA 1721, which supports a relevant frequency band,to a mixer based on a frequency band for communication.

According to an embodiment, the control signal for the Tx mixer 1724 maycontrol an enable/disable, a mixer gain, or the like. The Tx mixer 1724may generate a transmit signal by upconverting a transmit frequencysignal generated from TX PLL and an I/Q signal of the baseband.

According to an embodiment, the control signal for the Rx mixer 1723 maycontrol an enable/disable, a mixer gain, or the like. The Rx mixer 1723may generate an I/Q signal of the baseband by downconverting a receivefrequency signal generated from Rx PLL and a receive signal.

According to an embodiment, the control signal for the LPF 1725 maychange a cutoff frequency of the LPF 1725 depending on the communicationstandard (e.g., LTE, WCDMA, GSM, or the like) to be used.

According to an embodiment, the control signal for the Rx PGA 1726 maychange a gain of the Rx PGA 1726 depending on the strength of a receivedsignal. The control signal for the Rx PGA 1726 may control anenable/disable depending on whether to use.

According to an embodiment, the control signal for the Tx PLL maygenerate a transmit frequency signal in a frequency band forcommunication. The transmit frequency signal thus generated may besupplied to a mixer. In the case where the electronic device supportsuplink carrier aggregation (CA), the transceiver 1720 may include aplurality of Tx PLLs and may supply a plurality of transmit frequenciesselectively to the Tx mixer 1724.

According to an embodiment, the control signal for the Rx PLL maygenerate a receive frequency signal in a frequency band forcommunication. The receive frequency signal thus generated may besupplied to a mixer. In the case where a terminal supports downlinkcarrier aggregation (CA), the transceiver 1720 may include a pluralityof Rx PLLs and may supply a plurality of receive frequencies selectivelyto the Rx mixer 1723.

The electronic device of FIG. 17A may simultaneously receive foursignals in the same band. For example, fourth-order diversity may beperformed. The communication processor 1730 may improve receivingperformance by combining the four signals received. For example, thecommunication processor 1730 may improve the receiving performance byperforming maximum ratio combining (MRC).

According to various embodiments, the communication processor 1730 maycontrol a communication circuit such that the communication circuit (thefront end 1710 and the transceiver 1720) simultaneously receives a firstband signal from a plurality of antennas. For example, a communicationprocessor may control the communication circuit so as to receive asignal in a specified band at least temporarily and simultaneouslythrough the first antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the third antenna910, and the fourth antenna 920 by controlling at least one of a firstelectrical path, a second electrical path, a third electrical path, anda fourth electrical path.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device may furtherinclude a memory which is electrically connected with the communicationprocessor. The memory may store instructions, which cause thecommunication processor to perform the operations described withreference to FIGS. 1A to 17A.

The electronic device of FIGS. 1A to 17A may be an electronic device1800 of FIG. 18, an electronic device 1930 of FIG. 19, an electronicdevice 3000 of FIG. 20, an electronic device 2601 of FIG. 26, or anelectronic device 2701 of FIG. 27. The components illustrated in FIGS.1A to 17A may be included in a communication interface 2670 of FIG. 26or a communication module 2720 of FIG. 27. Also, the circuitsillustrated in FIGS. 1A to 17A may be included in the front end 1710 ofFIG. 17A, and may be included in a main RF circuit 3240 or a diversityRF circuit 3340 of FIG. 20.

FIG. 17B is a flowchart for describing a method of controlling anantenna of an electronic device according to an embodiment.

The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 17B may include operations that theelectronic device illustrated in FIG. 17A processes. Even though omittedbelow, the above description of the electronic device given withreference to FIG. 17A may be applied to the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 17B.

In operation 1751, an electronic device may perform an n-th orderdiversity combining setting operation. For example, the communicationprocessor 1730 may determine the number of antennas, which will be used,from among the first antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the thirdantenna 910, and the fourth antenna 920 or whether to use any antenna ofthe first antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the third antenna 910,and the fourth antenna 920. The communication processor 1730 maydetermine the number of antennas to be used, based on a receive power,quality, a transmit power, current consumption, or the like. The numberof antennas to be used may be determined through operations to bedescribed below with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25. The communicationprocessor 1730 may select an antenna to be used among the first antenna810, the second antenna 820, the third antenna 910, and the fourthantenna 920 based on a transmit power, a support band, and performanceof each of the first antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the thirdantenna 910, and the fourth antenna 920. An antenna to be used may beselected through operations to be described below with reference toFIGS. 21 and 22. For another example, the communication processor 1730may determine an electrical path through which each antenna and thecommunication processor 1730 will be connected.

In operation 1752, the electronic device may perform an operation ofgenerating a control signal(s) for the front end 1710 and thetransceiver 1720. For example, the communication processor 1730 maygenerate a control signal for controlling the front end 1710 and thetransceiver 1720 such that the selected antenna and the communicationprocessor 1730 are connected through the determined electrical path.Components included in the front end 1710 and the transceiver 1720 maybe controlled by the control signal like operation 1754 and operation1755.

In operation 1753, the electronic device may perform an operation ofconnecting an antenna and a front circuit based on the control signal.For example, the electronic device may connect each of a plurality ofantennas with one of a plurality of circuits included in a front end.

In operation 1754, the electronic device may perform a control operationon a circuit connected with an antenna based on the control signal. Forexample, an electrical path of a switching circuit, atransmitter/receiver circuit, and/or a receiver circuit included in thefront end 1710 may be changed depending on the control signal generatedby the communication processor 1730. For example, in the case ofreceiving the high band signal by using the first antenna 810, thesecond antenna 820, the third antenna 910, and the fourth antenna 920, aswitching circuit, a diplexer, and/or a switch included in the front end1710 may allow the first antenna 810 to be connected with an HB Tx/Rxcircuit, the second antenna 820 to be connected with an HB Rx circuit,the third antenna 910 to be connected with an HB Rx3 circuit, and thefourth antenna 920 to be connected with an HB Rx2 circuit.

In operation 1755, the electronic device may perform a control operationon a path, which is connected with an antenna, from among paths includedin the transceiver 1720 based on the control signal. For example, in thecase where the HB Tx/Rx circuit, the HB Rx circuit, the HB Rx3 circuit,and the HB Rx2 circuit included in the front end 1710 are respectivelyconnected with the first antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the thirdantenna 910, and the fourth antenna 920, there may be controlled an LNA,an Rx Mixer, an LPF, and an Rx PGA included in a path connected with thefirst antenna 810, the second antenna 820, the third antenna 910, andthe fourth antenna 920 through the HB Tx/Rx circuit, the HB Rx circuit,the HB Rx3 circuit, and the HB Rx2 circuit among components of thetransceiver 1720.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18, a display 1801 may be included in a front surface1807 of the electronic device 1800 according to an embodiment. A speakerdevice 1802 for receiving voice of the other party may be installed onan upper side of the display 1801. A microphone device 1803 fortransmitting voice of the user of the electronic device may be installedon a lower side of the display 1801.

According to an embodiment, components for performing various functionsof the electronic device 1800 may be positioned around the speakerdevice 1802 thus installed. The components may include at least onesensor module 1804. The sensor module 1804 may include at least one ofan illuminance sensor (e.g., a light sensor), a proximity sensor, aninfrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or a grip sensor. According to anembodiment, the components may include a camera device 1805. Accordingto an embodiment, the components may include an LED indicator 1806 forallowing the user to recognize state information of the electronicdevice 1800.

According to various embodiments, the electronic device 1800 may includea metal bezel 1810 (e.g., may correspond to at least a partial region ofa metal housing). According to an embodiment, the metal bezel 1810 maybe positioned along an edge of the electronic device 1800, and may beextended and positioned to at least a partial region of a rear surfaceof the electronic device 1800 extended from the edge. According to anembodiment, the metal bezel 1810 may be formed in a loop form along theedge of the electronic device 1800. However, the present disclosure isnot limited thereto. For example, the metal bezel 1810 may be formed tobe thinner than the thickness of the electronic device 1800. Accordingto an embodiment, the metal bezel 1810 may be positioned only in atleast a partial region of the edge of the electronic device 1800.According to an embodiment, the metal bezel 1810 may include at leastone or more segments 1815 and 1816. According to an embodiment, unitbezel portions segmented by each segment 1815 or 1816 may be utilized asantenna radiators operating in at least one frequency band.

According to an embodiment, the metal bezel 1810 may have a loop formalong the edge and may be formed to be the same as or thinner than thethickness of the electronic device 1800. According to an embodiment,when viewed from the front of the electronic device 1800, the metalbezel 1810 may include a right bezel portion 1811, a left bezel portion1812, an upper bezel portion 1813, and a lower bezel portion 1814. Here,the lower bezel portion 1814 may be a unit bezel portion formed by apair of segments 1816.

According to various embodiments, a main antenna device may bepositioned in a lower region (a main antenna region) of the electronicdevice 1800. According to an embodiment, the lower bezel portion 1814may be used as a main antenna radiator by the pair of segments 1816.According to an embodiment, the lower bezel portion 1814 may be anantenna radiator which operates in at least two operating frequencybands depending on a feeding location. For example, the lower bezelportion 1814 may be a portion of an antenna supporting LB and H/MB, orH/MB.

According to various embodiments, an antenna device of the presentdisclosure is only an exemplary component, and the above-describedfunctions of the lower bezel portion 1814 may be performed at the upperbezel portion 1813 segmented by other segments 1815 instead of the lowerbezel portion 1814 or may be performed together with the upper bezelportion 1813. In this case, an antenna region of a diversity part ofFIG. 18 may be utilized as an antenna for diversity/MIMO. For example,the upper bezel portion 1813 may be a portion of a diversity antennasupporting LB and H/MB, or H/MB.

An embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 18 as antenna of a diversity partis positioned at an upper end of the electronic device 1800 and anantenna of a main part is positioned at a lower end thereof. However,the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the antennaof the main part and the antenna of the diversity part may be positionedat various locations depending on a shape of the electronic device 1800.For example, the electronic device 1800 may include an antenna of a mainpart positioned at a right end thereof and an antenna of a diversitypart positioned at a left end thereof.

According to an embodiment, the right bezel portion 1811 or the leftbezel portion 1812 may also operate as an antenna when the right bezelportion 1811 or the left bezel portion 1812 is fed. For example, theright bezel portion 1811 or the left bezel portion 1812 may be a portionof an antenna supporting H/MB, or LB and H/MB. An antenna which includesthe right bezel portion 1811 or the left bezel portion 1812 included inthe main antenna region may operate as a main antenna. An antenna whichincludes the right bezel portion 1811 or the left bezel portion 1812included in the diversity antenna region may operate as a diversityantenna.

FIG. 19 illustrates a location of an antenna included in an electronicdevice according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 19, an electronic device 1900 according to anembodiment may include a first antenna 1910, a second antenna 1920, athird antenna 1930, and a fourth antenna 1940.

According to an embodiment, the first antenna 1910 and the secondantenna 1920 may be positioned on a lower side of the electronic device1900. For example, the first antenna 1910 may be positioned on the lowermiddle of the electronic device 1900, and the second antenna 1920 may bepositioned on the lower right of the electronic device 1900. The firstantenna 1910 and the second antenna 1920 may operate as a main antennaof the electronic device 1900. The first antenna 1910 and the secondantenna 1920 may receive a signal from the outside or may transmit asignal to the outside.

According to an embodiment, the third antenna 1930 and the fourthantenna 1940 may be positioned on an upper side of the electronic device1900. For example, the third antenna 1930 may be positioned on the uppermiddle of the electronic device 1900, and the fourth antenna 1940 may bepositioned on the upper left of the electronic device 1900. The thirdantenna 1930 and the fourth antenna 1940 may be spaced from the firstantenna 1910 and the second antenna 1920 by a preset distance or more.The third antenna 1930 and the fourth antenna 1940 may operate as adiversity antenna of the electronic device 1900. In the case where thethird antenna 1930 and the fourth antenna 1940 operate as a diversityantenna, the third antenna 1930 and the fourth antenna 1940 may receivea signal from the outside. The third antenna 1930 and the fourth antenna1940 may operate as the main antenna of the electronic device 1900. Inthe case where the third antenna 1930 and the fourth antenna 1940operate as the main antenna, the third antenna 1930 and the fourthantenna 1940 may transmit a signal to the outside together with thefirst antenna 1910 and the second antenna 1920.

FIG. 20 illustrates an internal structure of an electronic deviceaccording to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 20, the electronic device 3000 according to anembodiment may include a metal bezel 3100, and may include a main part3200, a diversity part 3300, and a communication processor 3400 whichare present within the metal bezel 3100 or include a portion of themetal bezel 3100.

According to an embodiment, the metal bezel 3100 may include a rightbezel 3110, a left bezel 3120, a lower bezel 3130, and an upper bezel3140 when viewed from the front of the electronic device 3000. Accordingto an embodiment, the lower bezel 3130 may maintain a state in which thelower bezel 3130 is separated from the right bezel 3110 and the leftbezel 3120 by a pair of segments 3150 formed with a specific gap. Theupper bezel 3140 may maintain a state in which the upper bezel 3140 isseparated from the right bezel 3110 and the left bezel 3120 by a pair ofsegments 3160 formed with a given gap. According to an embodiment, thepairs of segments 3150 and 3160 may be formed of an insulator. Accordingto an embodiment, the pairs of segments 3150 and 3160 may be formed atthe metal bezel 3100 through double-shot injection or insert molding ofsynthetic resins. However, the present disclosure is not limitedthereto. The pairs of segments 3150 and 3160 may be formed of variousmaterials having an insulating property.

According to various embodiments, the lower bezel 3130 may be integrallyformed with a first feeding piece 3131, and the first feeding piece 3131may be fed by a first feeding part of a sub printed circuit board (PCB)3500. According to an embodiment, the first feeding piece 3131 of thelower bezel 3130 may be connected with the first feeding part of the subPCB 3500 only through an operation in which the sub PCB 3500 isinstalled on the electronic device 3000 or may be electrically connectedwith the first feeding part by a separate electrical connection member(e.g., a C-clip or the like).

According to various embodiments, a first feeding pad 3511 may bepositioned on the sub PCB 3500, and the first feeding pad 3511 may beelectrically connected with the first feeding piece 3131 of the lowerbezel 3130. According to an embodiment, a first electrical path 3531(e.g., a wiring line) may be formed from the first feeding pad 3511 tothe first feeding part. The lower bezel 3130 may be a portion of a firstantenna 3210 of the main part 3200 supporting a low band (LB) andhigh/low band (H/LB), or H/MB. The left bezel 3120 and the right bezel3110 may also be fed in the same method.

According to various embodiments, the lower bezel 3130 may be integrallyformed with a first ground piece 3132 at a location spaced from thefirst feeding piece 3131 by a given distance, and the first ground piece3132 may be grounded to a first ground part 3541 of the sub PCB 3500.According to an embodiment, the first ground piece 3132 of the lowerbezel 3130 may be grounded to the first ground part 3541 of the sub PCB3500 only through an operation in which the sub PCB 3500 is installed onthe electronic device 3000 or may be electrically connected with thefirst ground part 3541 by a separate electrical connection member (e.g.,a C-clip or the like).

According to various embodiments, a first ground pad 3512 may bepositioned on the sub PCB 3500, and the first ground pad 3512 may beelectrically connected with the first ground piece 3132 of the lowerbezel 3130. According to an embodiment, a second electrical path 3532(e.g., a wiring line) may be formed from the first ground pad 3512 tothe first ground part 3541.

According to various embodiments, the right bezel 3110 may be integrallyformed with a second feeding piece 3111, and the second feeding piece3111 may be fed by a second feeding part of the sub PCB 3500. Accordingto an embodiment, the second feeding piece 3111 of the right bezel 3110may be connected with the second feeding part of the sub PCB 3500 onlythrough an operation in which the sub PCB 3500 is installed on theelectronic device 3000 or may be electrically connected with the secondfeeding part by a separate electrical connection member (e.g., a C-clipor the like).

According to various embodiments, a second feeding pad 3521 may bepositioned on the sub PCB 3500, and the second feeding pad 3521 may beelectrically connected with the second feeding piece 3111 of the rightbezel 3110. According to an embodiment, a third electrical path 3532(e.g., a wiring line) may be formed from the second feeding pad 3521 tothe second feeding part. The right bezel 3110 may be a portion of asecond antenna 3220 of the main part 3200 supporting LB and H/MB, orH/MB.

According to various embodiments, the right bezel 3110 may be integrallyformed with a second ground piece 3112 at a location spaced from asegment by a given distance, and the second ground piece 3112 may begrounded to a second ground part 3541 of the sub PCB 3500. According toan embodiment, the second ground piece 3112 of the right bezel 3110 maybe grounded to the second ground part 3541 of the sub PCB 3500 onlythrough an operation in which the sub PCB 3500 is installed on theelectronic device 3000 or may be electrically connected with the secondground part 3541 by a separate electrical connection member (e.g., aC-clip or the like).

According to various embodiments, a second ground pad 3522 may bepositioned on the sub PCB 3500, and the second ground pad 3522 may beelectrically connected with the second ground piece 3112 of the rightbezel 3110. According to an embodiment, a fourth electrical path (e.g.,a wiring line) may be formed from the second ground pad 3522 to thesecond ground part 3541.

According to an embodiment, a feeding part, a feeding pad, a groundpart, and a ground pad of the main part 3200 may be positioned on thesub PCB 3500. The RF circuit 3240 of the main part 3200 and the RFcircuit 3340 of the diversity part 3300 may be positioned on a main PCB3600. The main PCB 3600 and the sub PCB 3500 may be connected by aflexible PCB 3800. The sub PCB 3500 and the flexible PCB 3800 may beintegrally formed.

According to an embodiment, the sub PCB 3500 may be positioned withinthe electronic device 3000 to be lower than the main PCB 3600vertically. As such, parts included in the sub PCB 3500 may be furtherspaced from an antenna. Relatively thick parts such as a USB connector,a speaker, or the like may be positioned on the sub PCB 3500.

According to an embodiment, a transmit/receive signal or a receivesignal of the RF circuit 3240 of the main part 3200 may be transmittedto the first feeding part or the second feeding part of the sub PCB 3500through coaxial lines 3700.

According to various embodiments, a transmit/receive signal of the RFcircuit 3240 of the main part 3200 may be transmitted to the firstfeeding part or the second feeding part of the sub PCB 3500 through theflexible PCB 3800.

According to an embodiment, the diversity part 3300 may include a thirdantenna 3310 and a fourth antenna 3320. The third antenna 3310 mayinclude a portion of the upper bezel 3140, and the fourth antenna 3320may include a portion of the left bezel 3120 or the right bezel 3110.

According to an embodiment, the third antenna 3310 may support LB andH/MB, or H/MB, and the fourth antenna 3320 may support H/MB, or LB andH/MB. A feeding part, a feeding pad, a ground part, and ground pads ofthe diversity part 3300 may be positioned on the main PCB 3600.Electrical paths for connecting the feeding part and the feeding pad ofthe diversity part 3300 and electrical paths for connecting the groundpart and the ground pad thereof may be positioned on the main PCB 3600.

According to various embodiments, for signal separation betweenantennas, in the case where the main part 3200 uses the right bezel 3110as the second antenna 3220, the diversity part 3300 may use the leftbezel 3120 facing the right bezel 3110 as the fourth antenna 3320.Alternatively, in the case where the main part 3200 uses the left bezel3120 as the second antenna 3220, the diversity part 3300 may use theright bezel 3110 facing the left bezel 3120 as the fourth antenna 3320.

FIGS. 21A to 21C illustrate an internal structure of an electronicdevice according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 21A, an electronic device may include a metal bezel4100, and may include a main part 4200, a diversity part 4300, and thecommunication processor 3400 which are present within the metal bezel4110 or include a portion of the metal bezel 4110.

According to an embodiment, the metal bezel 4100 may include a rightbezel 4110, a left bezel 4120, a lower bezel 4130, and an upper bezel4140 when viewed from the front of an electronic device 4000. Accordingto an embodiment, the lower bezel 4130 may maintain a state in which thelower bezel 4130 is separated from the right bezel 4110 and the leftbezel 4120 by a pair of segments 4150 formed with a given gap. The upperbezel 4140 may maintain a state in which the upper bezel 4140 isseparated from the right bezel 4110 and the left bezel 4120 by a pair ofsegments 4160 formed with a given gap. According to an embodiment, thepairs of segments 4150 and 4160 may be formed of an insulator.

According to various embodiments, the lower bezel 4130 may be integrallyformed with a first feeding piece 4131, and the first feeding piece 4131may be fed by the first feeding part of the sub PCB 3500. According toan embodiment, the first feeding piece 4131 of the lower bezel 4130 maybe connected with the first feeding part of the sub PCB 3500 onlythrough an operation in which the sub PCB 3500 is installed on theelectronic device 4000 or may be electrically connected with the firstfeeding part by a separate electrical connection member (e.g., a C-clipor the like).

According to various embodiments, a first feeding pad 4511 may bepositioned on the sub PCB 3500, and the first feeding pad 4511 may beelectrically connected with the first feeding piece 4131 of the lowerbezel 4130. According to an embodiment, a first electrical path 4531(e.g., a wiring line) may be formed from the first feeding pad 4511 tothe first feeding part. A portion of a left side of the lower bezel 4130may be a first antenna 4210 of the main part 4200 supporting LB or H/MB.

According to various embodiments, the lower bezel 4130 may be integrallyformed with a ground piece 4132 at a location spaced from the firstfeeding piece 4131 by a given distance, and the ground piece 4132 may begrounded to a ground part 4541 of the sub PCB 3500. According to anembodiment, the ground piece 4132 of the lower bezel 4130 may begrounded to the ground part 4541 of the sub PCB 3500 only through anoperation in which the sub PCB 3500 is installed on the electronicdevice 4000 or may be electrically connected with the ground part 4541by a separate electrical connection member (e.g., a C-clip or the like).

According to various embodiments, the lower bezel 4130 may be integrallyformed with a second feeding piece 4133, and the second feeding piece4133 may be fed by the second feeding part of the sub PCB 3500.According to an embodiment, the second feeding piece 4133 of the lowerbezel 4130 may be connected with the second feeding part of the sub PCB3500 only through an operation in which the sub PCB 3500 is installed onthe electronic device 4000 or may be electrically connected with thesecond feeding part by a separate electrical connection member (e.g., aC-clip or the like).

According to various embodiments, a second feeding pad 4513 may bepositioned on the sub PCB 3500, and the second feeding pad 4513 may beelectrically connected with the second feeding piece 4133 of the lowerbezel 4130. According to an embodiment, a second electrical path 4532(e.g., a wiring line) may be formed from the second feeding pad 4513 tothe second feeding part. A portion of a right side of the lower bezel4130 may be a second antenna 4220 of the main part 4200 supporting H/MB.

According to various embodiments, a ground pad 4512 may be positioned onthe sub PCB 3500, and the ground pad 4512 may be electrically connectedwith the ground piece 4132 of the lower bezel 4130. According to anembodiment, a third electrical path (e.g., a wiring line) may be formedfrom the ground pad 4512 to the ground part 4541.

According to an embodiment, the diversity part 4300 may include a thirdantenna 4330. For example, the third antenna 4330 may include the upperbezel 4140.

According to an embodiment, the third antenna 4330 may support LB andH/MB, or H/MB. A feeding part, a feeding pad, a ground part, and groundpads of the diversity part 4300 may be positioned on the main PCB 3600.Electrical paths for connecting the feeding part and the feeding pad ofthe diversity part 4300 and electrical paths for connecting the groundpart and the ground pad thereof may be positioned on the main PCB 3600.

Referring to FIG. 21B, a diversity part 5300 may include a third antenna5330 and a fourth antenna 5340. The third antenna 5330 may include aportion of a right side of an upper bezel 5140, and the fourth antenna5340 may include a portion of a left side of the upper bezel 5140.

According to an embodiment, the upper bezel 5140 may be integrallyformed with a first feeding piece 5141, a second feeding piece 5143, anda ground piece 5142. The first feeding piece 5141 and the second feedingpiece 5143 may be respectively fed by the first feeding part and thesecond feeding part of the main PCB 3600. The ground piece 5142 may begrounded to a ground part 5632 of the main PCB 3600. According to anembodiment, the first feeding piece 5141 and the second feeding piece5143 may be respectively connected with the first feeding part and thesecond feeding part of the main PCB 3600 only through an operation inwhich the main PCB 3600 is installed on an electronic device 5000 or maybe electrically connected with the first feeding part and the secondfeeding part by a separate electrical connection member (e.g., a C-clipor the like). According to an embodiment, the ground piece 5142 may begrounded to the ground part 5632 of the main PCB 3600 only through anoperation in which the main PCB 3600 is installed on the electronicdevice 5000 or may be electrically connected with the ground part 5632by a separate electrical connection member (e.g., a C-clip or the like).

According to an embodiment, the third antenna 5330 may support LB andH/MB, or H/MB, and the fourth antenna 5340 may support H/MB, or LB andH/MB. A feeding part, a feeding pad, a ground part, and ground pads ofthe diversity part 5300 may be positioned on the main PCB 3600.Electrical paths for connecting the feeding part and the feeding pad ofthe diversity part 5300 and electrical paths for connecting the groundpart and the ground pad thereof may be positioned on the main PCB 3600.

Referring to FIG. 21C, a lower bezel 6130 may be integrally formed witha feeding piece 6131, and the feeding piece 6131 may be fed by the firstfeeding part of the sub PCB 3500. The feeding piece 6131 may beconnected with the first feeding part through a first electrical path6531 (e.g., a wiring line). According to an embodiment, the feedingpiece 6131 of the lower bezel 6130 may be connected with the firstfeeding part of the sub PCB 3500 only through an operation in which thesub PCB 3500 is installed on an electronic device 6000 or may beelectrically connected with the first feeding part by a separateelectrical connection member (e.g., a C-clip or the like).

According to various embodiments, the lower bezel 6130 may be integrallyformed with a ground piece 6132 at a location spaced from the feedingpiece 6131 by a given distance, and the ground piece 6132 may begrounded to a ground part 6541 of the sub PCB 3500. According to anembodiment, the ground piece 6132 of the lower bezel 6130 may begrounded to the ground part 6541 of the sub PCB 3500 only through anoperation in which the sub PCB 3500 is installed on the electronicdevice 6000 or may be electrically connected with the ground part 6541by a separate electrical connection member (e.g., a C-clip or the like).A portion of a left side of the lower bezel 6130 may be a first antenna6210 of a main part 6210 supporting LB or H/MB.

According to various embodiments, a conductive pattern 6221 may be fedby the second feeding part of the sub PCB 3500. The conductive pattern6221 may be connected with the second feeding part through a secondelectrical path 6532 (e.g., a wiring line). According to an embodiment,the conductive pattern 6221 may be connected with the second feedingpart of the sub PCB 3500 only through an operation in which the sub PCB3500 is installed on the electronic device 6000 or may be electricallyconnected with the second feeding part by a separate electricalconnection member (e.g., a C-clip or the like).

According to various embodiments, the conductive pattern 6221 may begrounded to a ground part 6542 of the sub PCB 3500. According to anembodiment, the conductive pattern 6221 may be grounded to the groundpart 6542 of the sub PCB 3500 only through an operation in which the subPCB 3500 is installed on the electronic device 6000 or may beelectrically connected with the ground part 6542 by a separateelectrical connection member (e.g., a C-clip or the like). Theconductive pattern 6221 may be a second antenna 6220 of the main part6200 supporting H/MB. The conductive pattern 6221 may be formed on orattached to a dielectric. For example, the conductive pattern 6221 maybe attached or formed to or on a structure for supporting a conductivepattern or to or on a housing.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may include a pluralityof antennas, and a communication circuit that is electrically connectedwith the plurality of antennas. The communication circuit may include aplurality of circuits receiving a signal in a first band and maysimultaneously receive the signal in the first band through two or morecircuits of the plurality of circuits from two or more antennas, whichare positioned adjacent to each other, from among the plurality ofantennas, and the number of the plurality of antennas may be the same asthe number of plurality of circuits.

According to another embodiment, the plurality of circuits may be aplurality of transmitter/receiver circuits which transmit or receive thesignal in the first band, the communication circuit may simultaneouslytransmit or receive the signal in the first band through the pluralityof transmitter/receiver circuits from the plurality of antennas, and thenumber of the plurality of antennas may be the same as the number ofplurality of transmitter/receiver circuits.

According to another embodiment, the communication circuit may furtherinclude one or more transmitter/receiver circuits that transmit/receivea signal in a second band, and a signal distributer that selectively orsimultaneously connects one of the plurality of antennas with one of theplurality of circuits or the one or more transmitter/receiver circuits.

According to another embodiment, the plurality of antennas may include afirst antenna and a second antenna, and the communication circuit mayinclude a transmitter/receiver circuit transmitting/receiving the signalin the first band and a receiver circuit receiving the signal in thefirst band and may simultaneously receive the signal in the first bandthrough the transmitter/receiver circuit and the receiver circuit fromthe first antenna and the second antenna.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device may furtherinclude a switching circuit that defines a connection of thecommunication circuit with the first antenna and the second antenna.

According to another embodiment, the plurality of antennas may include afirst antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna. The communicationcircuit may include a first communication circuit electrically connectedwith the first antenna and the second antenna and a second communicationcircuit electrically connected with the third antenna. The firstcommunication circuit may include a transmitter/receiver circuittransmitting/receiving the signal in the first band and a receivercircuit receiving the signal in the first band, and may simultaneouslyreceive the signal in the first band through the transmitter/receivercircuit and the receiver circuit of the first communication circuit fromthe first antenna and the second antenna. The second communicationcircuit may include a receiver circuit receiving the signal in the firstband and may receive the signal in the first band through the receivercircuit of the second communication circuit from the third antennasimultaneously with the first communication circuit.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device may furtherinclude a switching circuit that defines a connection of thecommunication circuit with the first antenna, the second antenna, andthe third antenna.

According to another embodiment, the plurality of antennas may include afirst antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourth antenna.The communication circuit may include a first communication circuitelectrically connected with the first antenna and the second antenna anda second communication circuit electrically connected with the thirdantenna and the fourth antenna. The first communication circuit mayinclude a transmitter/receiver circuit transmitting/receiving the signalin the first band and a receiver circuit receiving the signal in thefirst band, and may simultaneously receive the signal in the first bandthrough the transmitter/receiver circuit and the receiver circuit fromthe first antenna and the second antenna. The second communicationcircuit may include two receiver circuits receiving the signal in thefirst band and may receive the signal in the first band through the tworeceiver circuits from the third antenna and the fourth antennasimultaneously with the first communication circuit.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device may furtherinclude a switching circuit that defines a connection of thecommunication circuit with the first antenna, the second antenna, thethird antenna, and the fourth antenna.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device may furtherinclude a communication processor that controls the communicationcircuit such that the communication circuit simultaneously receives thesignal in the first band from the plurality of antennas.

According to another embodiment, the communication processor may controlthe communication circuit so as to receive the signal in the first bandthrough one or more antennas of the plurality of antennas based on atleast one of a received signal strength indication, a transmit power, ora reflection loss of each of the plurality of antennas.

According to another embodiment, the communication processor may verifythe transmit power or the received signal strength indication of each ofthe plurality of antennas, and may control the communication circuit soas to receive the signal in the first band through one or more antennasof antennas, each of which has the received signal strength indicationor the transmit power greater than a specified value.

According to another embodiment, the communication processor may measurea received signal strength indication of an antenna, which is receivingthe signal in the first band, from among the plurality of antennas, andmay control the communication circuit so as to receive the signal in thefirst band through the antenna receiving the signal in the first bandand another antenna of the plurality of antennas, when the receivedsignal strength indication is smaller than a specified value.

According to another embodiment, the electronic device may furtherinclude a grip sensor that detects a contact of an object with theelectronic device, and an application processor that is electricallyconnected with the grip sensor and the communication circuit. Theapplication processor may obtain information about the contact with theelectronic device by using the grip sensor, and the communicationprocessor may obtain the information about the contact from theapplication processor, and may control the communication circuit basedon the information about the contact so as to stop a use of an antenna,which is in contact with the object, from among the plurality ofantennas.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may include an externalhousing that includes a first portion, a second portion adjacent to thefirst portion, a third portion further away from the first portion thanthe second portion, and a fourth portion adjacent to the third portion,a first antenna radiator that forms at least a portion of the firstportion and/or is formed within the housing to be adjacent to the firstportion, a second antenna radiator that forms at least a portion of thesecond portion and/or is formed within the housing to be adjacent to thesecond portion, a third antenna radiator that forms at least a portionof the third portion and/or is formed within the housing to be adjacentto the third portion, a fourth antenna radiator that forms at least aportion of the fourth portion and/or is formed within the housing to beadjacent to the fourth portion, at least one communication circuit thatsupports a frequency in a first band and a frequency in a second bandlower than the frequency of the first band, a first electrical path thatelectrically connects the at least one communication circuit and thefirst antenna radiator and transmits a signal having the frequency inthe first band, a second electrical path that electrically connects theat least one communication circuit and the second antenna radiator andsimultaneously or selectively transmits a signal having the frequency inthe first band or the second band, a third electrical path thatelectrically connects the at least one communication circuit and thethird antenna radiator and simultaneously or selectively transmits asignal having the frequency in the first band or the second band, afourth electrical path that electrically connects the at least onecommunication circuit and the fourth antenna radiator and transmits thesignal having the frequency in the first band, and a control circuitthat receives the signal in the first band through at least two of thefirst to fourth antenna radiators at least temporarily simultaneously bycontrolling at least one of the first to fourth electrical paths.

According to another embodiment, a control circuit may receive thesignal in the first band at least temporarily simultaneously through atleast three of the first to fourth antenna radiators.

According to another embodiment, the second electrical path may beelectrically connected with a first port receiving the signal in thefirst band and a second port transmitting and/or receiving a signal inthe second band.

According to another embodiment, the third electrical path may beelectrically connected with a third port receiving the signal in thefirst band and a fourth port receiving the signal in the second band.

According to another embodiment, the communication circuit may support afrequency in a third band that is lower than the frequency in the firstband and is higher than the frequency in the second band.

According to another embodiment, the control circuit may control atleast one of the first to fourth electrical paths to receive a signal inthe third band at least temporarily simultaneously through the first tofourth antenna radiators.

According to another embodiment, the control circuit may include aprocessor and a memory electrically connected with the processor, andthe memory may store instructions that, when executed, cause theprocessor to control at least one of the first to fourth electricalpaths to receive the signal in the first band at least temporarilysimultaneously through the first to fourth antenna radiators.

According to another embodiment, the external housing may include atouchscreen display, and may include a first surface having asubstantially rectangular shape, a second surface parallel to the firstsurface, and a side surface surrounding a space between the firstsurface and the second surface. The side surface may include a firstsurface which includes a first side extending in a first direction andhas a first length, a second side extending in a second directionperpendicular to the first side and having a second length longer thanthe first length, a third side extending in the first direction andhaving the first length, and a fourth side extending in the seconddirection and having the second length. The first portion and the secondportion may extend along at least a portion of the first side, and thethird portion and the fourth portion may extend along at least a portionof the third side.

According to another embodiment, the first portion may extend from afirst point positioned at the first side to a second point positioned atthe first side, and the second portion may extend from the second pointor a vicinity of the second point to a third point positioned at thefourth side.

According to another embodiment, the third portion may extend from afourth point positioned at the third side to a fifth point positioned atthe third side.

According to another embodiment, the fourth portion may extend from thefifth point or a vicinity of the fifth point to a sixth point positionedat the second side or the fourth side, and the sixth point may be closerto the third side than the third point.

An electronic device according to an embodiment may include an externalhousing that includes a first portion, a second portion adjacent to thefirst portion, a third portion further away from the first portion thanthe second portion, a first antenna radiator that forms at least aportion of the first portion and/or is formed within the housing to beadjacent to the first portion, a second antenna radiator that forms atleast a portion of the second portion and/or is formed within thehousing to be adjacent to the second portion, a third antenna radiatorthat forms at least a portion of the third portion and/or is formedwithin the housing to be adjacent to the third portion, at least onecommunication circuit that supports a frequency in a first band and afrequency in a second band lower than the frequency of the first band, afirst electrical path that electrically connects the at least onecommunication circuit and the first antenna radiator and transmits asignal having the frequency in the first band, a second electrical paththat electrically connects the at least one communication circuit andthe second antenna radiator and simultaneously or selectively transmitsa signal having the frequency in the first band or the second band, athird electrical path that electrically connects the at least onecommunication circuit and the third antenna radiator and simultaneouslyor selectively transmits a signal having the frequency in the first bandor the second band, and a control circuit that receives the signal inthe first band through at least two of the first to third antennaradiators at least temporarily simultaneously by controlling at leastone of the first to third electrical paths.

According to another embodiment, the external housing may include atouchscreen display, and may include a first surface having asubstantially rectangular shape, a second surface parallel to the firstsurface, and a side surface surrounding a space between the firstsurface and the second surface. The side surface may include a firstsurface which includes a first side extending in a first direction andhas a first length, a second side extending in a second directionperpendicular to the first side and having a second length longer thanthe first length, a third side extending in the first direction andhaving the first length, and a fourth side extending in the seconddirection and having the second length. The first portion and the secondportion may extend along at least a portion of the first side, and thethird portion may extend along at least a portion of the third side.

According to another embodiment, the first portion may extend from afirst point positioned at the second side to a second point positionedat the first side, and the second portion may extend from the secondpoint or a vicinity of the second point to a third point positioned atthe fourth side.

According to another embodiment, the third portion may extend from afourth point positioned at the second side to a fifth point positionedat the fourth side, the fourth portion may be closer to the third sidethan the first point, and the fifth point may be closer to the thirdside than the third point.

According to another embodiment, the first portion may extend from afirst point positioned at the first side to a second point positioned atthe first side, and the second portion may extend from the second pointor a vicinity of the second point to a third point positioned at thefourth side.

According to another embodiment, the third portion may extend from afourth point positioned at the third side to a fifth point positioned atthe third point.

According to another embodiment, the first band may range from 2.3 GHzto 2.7 GHz, the second band may range from 600 MHz to 900 MHz, and thethird band may range from 1.7 GHz to 2.1 GHz.

According to another embodiment, the first antenna radiator and thesecond antenna radiator may transmit or receive the signal in the firstband at least temporarily simultaneously, and the third antenna radiatormay receive the signal in the first band at least temporarilysimultaneously with the first antenna radiator and the second antennaradiator.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for describing an antenna selecting method of anelectronic device according to an embodiment.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may receive asignal in a first band through one or more antennas of a plurality ofantennas based on performance associated with a received signal strengthindication, a transmit power, or a reflection loss of each of theplurality of antennas.

In operation 2210, the electronic device (e.g., a control circuitincluded in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device 2701)may verify a transmit power. For example, the electronic device mayverify the transmit power associated with a signal to be transmitted byone antenna, which will transmit the signal, from among the plurality ofantennas. In operation 2220, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may determine whether the transmit power exceeds a thresholdvalue. For example, the electronic device may determine whether atransmit power of an antenna which will transmit a signal exceeds aspecified threshold value. In the case where the transmit power of theantenna which will transmit the signal is greater than the thresholdvalue, the electronic device may perform the following operations.

In the case where the verification result of operation 2220 indicatesthat the transmit power is greater than the threshold value, inoperation 2230, the electronic device (e.g., a control circuit includedin the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device 2701) may performan antenna performance comparing operation. For example, the electronicdevice may compare performance of an antenna which supports a transmitband. For example, the electronic device may compare performance of afirst antenna and a third antenna. The electronic device may compare theperformance of the first antenna and the third antenna by measuring areceived signal strength indication (RSSI), a received signal code power(RSCP), or a reflection loss of first antenna and the third antenna.

In operation 2240, the electronic device (e.g., a control circuitincluded in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device 2701)may perform an antenna determining operation. For example, theelectronic device may determine an antenna to be used, based on thecomparison result. For example, the electronic device may determine anantenna, which has higher performance, from among the first antenna andthe third antenna as an antenna to be used. For example, the electronicdevice may determine the first antenna having a higher RSSI as anantenna to be used.

In operation 2250, the electronic device (e.g., a control circuitincluded in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device 2701)may perform a signal transmitting operation. For example, the electronicdevice may connect the to-be-used antenna thus determined with acommunication circuit. For example, the electronic device mayelectrically connect the first antenna and the communication circuit bycontrolling a switch, a switching circuit, or the like. Through thefirst antenna, the electronic device may receive a signal and maytransmit a signal.

Operation 2210 to operation 2250 are described as the electronic deviceverifies the transmit power and determines whether the transmit power isnot smaller than the threshold value. However, the present disclosure isnot limited thereto. For example, the electronic device may determinewhether various factors such as a received signal strength indication, areflection coefficient, and the like are not smaller than the thresholdvalue.

A lot of power may be consumed to measure a received signal strengthindication, reflection loss, or the like for comparing antennaperformance. As described above, power consumption for performancecomparison may be reduced by performing a comparison operation on onlyan antenna, the transmit power of which is greater than a specifiedthreshold value.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for describing an antenna selecting method of anelectronic device according to an embodiment.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may measure areceived signal strength of an antenna, which is receiving a signal in afirst band, from among a plurality of antennas; in the case where thereceived signal strength is smaller than a specified value, theelectronic device may receive the signal in the first band through theantenna receiving the signal in the first band and another antenna ofthe plurality of antennas.

Referring to FIG. 23, in operation 2310, the electronic device (e.g., acontrol circuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronicdevice 2701) may perform a signal strength measuring operation. Forexample, the electronic device may measure the received signal strengthof the operating antenna. For example, in the case where the electronicdevice performs communication by using a first antenna, the electronicdevice may measure the received signal strength of the first antenna.

In operation 2320, the electronic device (e.g., a control circuitincluded in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device 2701)may perform a signal strength comparing operation. For example, theelectronic device may determine whether the measured received signalstrength is lower than a first reference signal strength. For example,the electronic device may determine whether the measured received signalstrength of the first antenna is lower than the first reference signalstrength.

In the case where the comparison result of operation 2320 indicates thatthe received signal strength is lower than the first reference signalstrength, in operation 2330, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may perform a signal strength measuring operation. For example,the electronic device may measure the received signal strength of theantenna which is operating, after operating the antenna as asecond-order diversity. The electronic device may enable two antennas byadditionally operating one antenna and may then measure the receivedsignal strength of each of the two antennas. For example, the electronicdevice may control a communication circuit so as to simultaneouslyreceive signals in the same band through the first antenna and thesecond antenna. The electronic device may measure the received signalstrength of each of the first antenna and the second antenna.

In the case where the comparison result of operation 2320 indicates thatthe received signal strength is higher than the first reference signalstrength, in operation 2340, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may perform a signal receiving operation. For example, theelectronic device may maintain an operation of an antenna. For example,in the case where the received signal strength of the first antenna ishigher than the first reference signal strength, the electronic devicemay perform communication only by using the first antenna.

In operation 2350, the electronic device (e.g., a control circuitincluded in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device 2701)may perform a signal strength comparing operation. For example, theelectronic device may determine whether the measured received signalstrength is lower than a second reference signal strength. For example,the electronic device may determine whether the measured received signalstrength of the first antenna and the second antenna is lower than thesecond reference signal strength. The second reference signal strengthmay be, for example, lower than the first reference signal strength.

In the case where the comparison result of operation 2350 indicates thatthe received signal strength is lower than the second reference signalstrength, in operation 2370, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may perform a signal strength measuring operation. For example,the electronic device may measure the received signal strength of theantenna which is operating, after operating the antenna as a third-orderdiversity. For example, the electronic device may control acommunication circuit so as to simultaneously receive signals in thesame band through the first antenna, the second antenna, and a thirdantenna. The electronic device may measure the received signal strengthof each of the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna.

In the case where the comparison result of operation 2350 indicates thatthe received signal strength is higher than the second reference signalstrength, in operation 2360, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may maintain the second-order diversity operation of the antenna.

In operation 2380, the electronic device (e.g., a control circuitincluded in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device 2701)may perform a signal strength comparing operation. For example, theelectronic device may determine whether the measured received signalstrength is lower than a third reference signal strength. For example,the electronic device may determine whether the measured received signalstrength of the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antennais lower than the third reference signal strength. The third referencesignal strength may be, for example, lower than the second referencesignal strength.

In the case where the comparison result of operation 2380 indicates thatthe received signal strength is lower than the third reference signalstrength, in operation 2390, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may perform a fourth-order diversity operation. For example, theelectronic device may measure the received signal strength of theantenna which is operating, after operating the antenna as afourth-order diversity. For example, the electronic device may controlthe communication circuit so as to simultaneously receive signals in thesame band through the first antenna, the second antenna, the thirdantenna, and a fourth antenna.

In the case where the comparison result of operation 2380 indicates thatthe received signal strength is higher than the third reference signalstrength, in operation 2395, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may maintain the third-order diversity operation of the antenna.

In the case where signals are transmitted or received by using fourantennas at the same time, an excessive power may be consumed. Asdescribed above, the power may be efficiently used by using anadditional antenna after seizing a communication state of an operatingantenna by using the received signal strength.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for describing an antenna selecting method of anelectronic device according to an embodiment. For convenience ofdescription, the description given with reference to FIG. 23 will not berepeated here.

Referring to FIG. 24, in operation 2410, an electronic device (e.g., acontrol circuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronicdevice 2701) may measure a received signal strength of a signal receivedby a specified antenna. For example, the electronic device may measurethe received signal strength of an operating antenna.

In operation 2420, the electronic device (e.g., a control circuitincluded in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device 2701)may perform a signal strength comparing operation. For example, theelectronic device may determine whether the measured received signalstrength is lower than a first reference signal strength.

In the case where the comparison result of operation 2420 indicates thatthe received signal strength is higher than the first reference signalstrength, in operation 2430, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may maintain an operation of the antenna.

In the case where the comparison result of operation 2420 indicates thatthe received signal strength is lower than the first reference signalstrength, in operation 2440, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may perform a signal strength measuring operation. For example,the electronic device may determine whether the measured received signalstrength is lower than a second reference signal strength.

In the case where the comparison result of operation 2440 indicates thatthe received signal strength is higher than the second reference signalstrength, in operation 2450, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may operate the antenna as a second-order diversity.

In the case where the comparison result of operation 2440 indicates thatthe received signal strength is lower than the second reference signalstrength, in operation 2460, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may perform a signal strength measuring operation. For example,the electronic device may determine whether the measured received signalstrength is lower than a third reference signal strength.

In the case where the comparison result of operation 2460 indicates thatthe received signal strength is higher than the third reference signalstrength, in operation 2470, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may operate the antenna as a third-order diversity.

In the case where the comparison result of operation 2460 indicates thatthe received signal strength is lower than the third reference signalstrength, in operation 2480, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may operate the antenna as a fourth-order diversity.

FIG. 25A illustrates a location of an antenna included in an electronicdevice according to an embodiment. FIG. 25B is a flowchart fordescribing an antenna selecting method of an electronic device accordingto an embodiment.

According to various embodiments, an electronic device may include agrip sensor which detects a contact of an object, and an applicationprocessor which is electrically connected with the grip sensor and acommunication processor. The application processor may obtaininformation about a contact with the electronic device through the gripsensor. For example, in the case where a skin of the user is in contactwith a metal housing being a radiator of a plurality of antennas, theapplication processor may obtain information about a point, with whichthe user's skin is in contact, through the grip sensor. The applicationprocessor may transmit the information about the contact to thecommunication processor. The communication processor may obtain theinformation about the contact from the application processor, and mayblock a connection of the communication circuit with a part of theplurality of antennas based on the information about the contact. Forexample, in the case where the point with which the user's skin is incontact corresponds to a radiator of a first antenna, the communicationprocessor may stop communication using the first antenna. For anotherexample, the communication processor may identify an antenna, thecommunication efficiency of which is reduced at a time when the contactis recognized and may stop communication using the identified antenna.

Referring to FIGS. 25A and 25B, in operation 2510, the electronic device(e.g., a control circuit included in the electronic device 2601 or theelectronic device 2701) may perform communication. For example, theelectronic device may perform communication by using a plurality ofantennas. For example, the electronic device may transmit/receive asignal by using a first antenna 2501 and a second antenna 2502.

In operation 2520, the electronic device (e.g., a control circuitincluded in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device 2701)may perform a contact detecting operation. For example, the electronicdevice may detect a contact of an object with the electronic device byusing the grip sensor. The electronic device may obtain informationabout the contact with the electronic device. For example, theelectronic device may obtain information about a point on the electronicdevice, with which a skin of the user is in contact.

In operation 2530, the electronic device (e.g., a control circuitincluded in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device 2701)may perform an operation of determining whether a contact is made. Forexample, the electronic device may determine whether an object is incontact with one or more antennas of the plurality of antennas, based onthe information about the contact. For example, the electronic devicemay determine whether an object is in contact with the first antenna2501 and/or the second antenna 2502. For example, the electronic devicemay determine whether an object is in contact with an antenna positionedat a touched point, based on the information about the touched point.For another example, the electronic device may determine that an objectis in contact with an antenna, the communication efficiency of which isreduced at a time when the contact is recognized.

In the case where the determination result of operation 2530 indicatesthat an object is in contact with one or more antennas of the pluralityof antennas, in operation 2540, the electronic device (e.g., a controlcircuit included in the electronic device 2601 or the electronic device2701) may perform an operation of stopping the use of an antenna. Forexample, the electronic device may stop the use of the antenna withwhich an object is in contact. For example, in the case where the user'sskin is in contact with the second antenna 2502 of the first antenna2501 and the second antenna 2502, the electronic device may stop the useof the second antenna 2502 and may perform communication by using thefirst antenna 2501.

In the case where the determination result of operation 2530 indicatesthat an object is not in contact with an antenna, the electronic devicemay maintain the use of the plurality of antennas.

As described above, as the use of an antenna, the performance of whichis reduced by a contact of an object, is stopped, the communicationefficiency may not be reduced, and simultaneously, a power needed forcommunication may be reduced.

FIG. 26 illustrates an electronic device in a network environmentsystem, according to various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 26, according to various embodiments, an electronicdevice 2601, 2602, or 2604, or a server 2606 may be connected each otherover a network 2662 or a short range communication 2664. The electronicdevice 2601 may include a bus 2610, a processor 2620, a memory 2630, aninput/output interface 2650, a display 2660, and a communicationinterface 2670. According to an embodiment, the electronic device 2601may not include at least one of the above-described components or mayfurther include other component(s).

For example, the bus 2610 may interconnect the above-describedcomponents 2620 to 2670 and may include a circuit for conveyingcommunications (e.g., a control message and/or data) among theabove-described components.

The processor 2620 may include one or more of a central processing unit(CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP).For example, the processor 2620 may perform an arithmetic operation ordata processing associated with control and/or communication of at leastother components of the electronic device 2601.

The memory 2630 may include a volatile and/or nonvolatile memory. Forexample, the memory 2630 may store commands or data associated with atleast one other component(s) of the electronic device 2601. According toan embodiment, the memory 2630 may store software and/or a program 2640.The program 2640 may include, for example, a kernel 2641, a middleware2643, an application programming interface (API) 2645, and/or anapplication program (or “an application”) 2647. At least a part of thekernel 2641, the middleware 2643, or the API 2645 may be referred to asan “operating system (OS)”.

For example, the kernel 2641 may control or manage system resources(e.g., the bus 2610, the processor 2620, the memory 2630, and the like)that are used to execute operations or functions of other programs(e.g., the middleware 2643, the API 2645, and the application program2647). Furthermore, the kernel 2641 may provide an interface that allowsthe middleware 2643, the API 2645, or the application program 2647 toaccess discrete components of the electronic device 2601 so as tocontrol or manage system resources.

The middleware 2643 may perform, for example, a mediation role such thatthe API 2645 or the application program 2647 communicates with thekernel 2641 to exchange data.

Furthermore, the middleware 2643 may process task requests received fromthe application program 2647 according to a priority. For example, themiddleware 2643 may assign the priority, which makes it possible to usea system resource (e.g., the bus 2610, the processor 2620, the memory2630, or the like) of the electronic device 2601, to at least one of theapplication program 2647. For example, the middleware 2643 may processthe one or more task requests according to the priority assigned to theat least one, which makes it possible to perform scheduling or loadbalancing on the one or more task requests.

The API 2645 may be, for example, an interface through which theapplication program 2647 controls a function provided by the kernel 2641or the middleware 2643, and may include, for example, at least oneinterface or function (e.g., an instruction) for a file control, awindow control, image processing, a character control, or the like.

The input/output interface 2650 may play a role, for example, of aninterface which transmits a command or data input from a user or anotherexternal device, to other component(s) of the electronic device 2601.Furthermore, the input/output interface 2650 may output a command ordata, received from other component(s) of the electronic device 2601, toa user or another external device.

The display 2660 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display(LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED)display, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) display, or anelectronic paper display. The display 2660 may display, for example,various contents (e.g., a text, an image, a video, an icon, a symbol,and the like) to a user. The display 2660 may include a touch screen andmay receive, for example, a touch, gesture, proximity, or hovering inputusing an electronic pen or a part of a user's body.

For example, the communication interface 2670 may establishcommunication between the electronic device 2601 and an external device(e.g., the first external electronic device 2602, the second externalelectronic device 2604, or the server 2606). For example, thecommunication interface 2670 may be connected to the network 2662 overwireless communication or wired communication to communicate with theexternal device (e.g., the second external electronic device 2604 or theserver 2606).

The wireless communication may use at least one of, for example,long-term evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced (LTE-A), Code Division MultipleAccess (CDMA), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), GlobalSystem for Mobile Communications (GSM), or the like, as cellularcommunication protocol. Furthermore, the wireless communication mayinclude, for example, the short range communication 2664. The shortrange communication 2664 may include at least one of wireless fidelity(Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, near field communication (NFC), magnetic stripetransmission (MST), a global navigation satellite system (GNSS), or thelike.

The MST may generate a pulse in response to transmission data using anelectromagnetic signal, and the pulse may generate a magnetic fieldsignal. The electronic device 2601 may transfer the magnetic fieldsignal to point of sale (POS), and the POS may detect the magnetic fieldsignal using a MST reader. The POS may recover the data by convertingthe detected magnetic field signal to an electrical signal.

The GNSS may include at least one of, for example, a global positioningsystem (GPS), a global navigation satellite system (Glonass), a Beidounavigation satellite system (hereinafter referred to as “Beidou”), or anEuropean global satellite-based navigation system (hereinafter referredto as “Galileo”) based on an available region, a bandwidth, or the like.Hereinafter, in the present disclosure, “GPS” and “GNSS” may beinterchangeably used. The wired communication may include at least oneof, for example, a universal serial bus (USB), a high definitionmultimedia interface (HDMI), a recommended standard-232 (RS-232), aplain old telephone service (POTS), or the like. The network 2662 mayinclude at least one of telecommunications networks, for example, acomputer network (e.g., LAN or WAN), an Internet, or a telephonenetwork.

Each of the first and second external electronic devices 2602 and 2604may be a device of which the type is different from or the same as thatof the electronic device 2601. According to an embodiment, the server2606 may include a group of one or more servers. According to variousembodiments, all or a portion of operations that the electronic device2601 will perform may be executed by another or plural electronicdevices (e.g., the electronic device 2602 or 2604 or the server 2606).According to an embodiment, in the case where the electronic device 2601executes any function or service automatically or in response to arequest, the electronic device 2601 may not perform the function or theservice internally, but, alternatively additionally, it may request atleast a portion of a function associated with the electronic device 2601from another device (e.g., the electronic device 2602 or 2604 or theserver 2606). The other electronic device may execute the requestedfunction or additional function and may transmit the execution result tothe electronic device 2601. The electronic device 2601 may provide therequested function or service using the received result or mayadditionally process the received result to provide the requestedfunction or service. To this end, for example, cloud computing,distributed computing, or client-server computing may be used.

FIG. 27 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device, accordingto various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 27, an electronic device 2701 may include, forexample, all or a part of the electronic device 2601 illustrated in FIG.26. The electronic device 2701 may include one or more processors (e.g.,an application processor (AP)) 2710, a communication module 2720, asubscriber identification module 2729, a memory 2730, a sensor module2740, an input device 2750, a display 2760, an interface 2770, an audiomodule 2780, a camera module 2791, a power management module 2795, abattery 2796, an indicator 2797, and a motor 2798.

The processor 2710 may drive, for example, an operating system (OS) oran application to control a plurality of hardware or software componentsconnected to the processor 2710 and may process and compute a variety ofdata. For example, the processor 2710 may be implemented with a Systemon Chip (SoC). According to an embodiment, the processor 2710 mayfurther include a graphic processing unit (GPU) and/or an image signalprocessor. The processor 2710 may include at least a part (e.g., acellular module 2721) of components illustrated in FIG. 27. Theprocessor 2710 may load a command or data, which is received from atleast one of other components (e.g., a nonvolatile memory), into avolatile memory and process the loaded command or data. The processor2710 may store a variety of data in the nonvolatile memory.

The communication module 2720 may be configured the same as or similarto the communication interface 2670 of FIG. 26. The communication module2720 may include the cellular module 2721, a Wi-Fi module 2722, aBluetooth (BT) module 2723, a GNSS module 2724 (e.g., a GPS module, aGlonass module, a Beidou module, or a Galileo module), a near fieldcommunication (NFC) module 2725, a MST module 2726 and a radio frequency(RF) module 2727.

The cellular module 2721 may provide, for example, voice communication,video communication, a character service, an Internet service, or thelike over a communication network. According to an embodiment, thecellular module 2721 may perform discrimination and authentication ofthe electronic device 2701 within a communication network by using thesubscriber identification module (e.g., a SIM card) 2729. According toan embodiment, the cellular module 2721 may perform at least a portionof functions that the processor 2710 provides. According to anembodiment, the cellular module 2721 may include a communicationprocessor (CP).

Each of the Wi-Fi module 2722, the BT module 2723, the GNSS module 2724,the NFC module 2725, or the MST module 2726 may include a processor forprocessing data exchanged through a corresponding module, for example.According to an embodiment, at least a part (e.g., two or more) of thecellular module 2721, the Wi-Fi module 2722, the BT module 2723, theGNSS module 2724, the NFC module 2725, or the MST module 2726 may beincluded within one Integrated Circuit (IC) or an IC package.

For example, the RF module 2727 may transmit and receive a communicationsignal (e.g., an RF signal). For example, the RF module 2727 may includea transceiver, a power amplifier module (PAM), a frequency filter, a lownoise amplifier (LNA), an antenna, or the like. According to anotherembodiment, at least one of the cellular module 2721, the Wi-Fi module2722, the BT module 2723, the GNSS module 2724, the NFC module 2725, orthe MST module 2726 may transmit and receive an RF signal through aseparate RF module.

The subscriber identification module 2729 may include, for example, acard and/or embedded SIM that includes a subscriber identificationmodule and may include unique identify information (e.g., integratedcircuit card identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (e.g.,integrated mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)).

The memory 2730 (e.g., the memory 2630) may include an internal memory2732 or an external memory 2734. For example, the internal memory 2732may include at least one of a volatile memory (e.g., a dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a synchronous DRAM (SDRAM),or the like), a nonvolatile memory (e.g., a one-time programmable readonly memory (OTPROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable andprogrammable ROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable and programmable ROM(EEPROM), a mask ROM, a flash ROM, a flash memory (e.g., a NAND flashmemory or a NOR flash memory), or the like), a hard drive, or a solidstate drive (SSD).

The external memory 2734 may further include a flash drive such ascompact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital(Micro-SD), mini secure digital (Mini-SD), extreme digital (xD), amultimedia card (MMC), a memory stick, or the like. The external memory2734 may be operatively and/or physically connected to the electronicdevice 2701 through various interfaces.

A security module 2736 may be a module that includes a storage space ofwhich a security level is higher than that of the memory 2730 and may bea circuit that guarantees safe data storage and a protected executionenvironment. The security module 2736 may be implemented with a separatecircuit and may include a separate processor. For example, the securitymodule 2736 may be in a smart chip or a secure digital (SD) card, whichis removable, or may include an embedded secure element (eSE) embeddedin a fixed chip of the electronic device 2701. Furthermore, the securitymodule 2736 may operate based on an operating system (OS) that isdifferent from the OS of the electronic device 2701. For example, thesecurity module 2736 may operate based on java card open platform (JCOP)OS.

The sensor module 2740 may measure, for example, a physical quantity ormay detect an operation state of the electronic device 2701. The sensormodule 2740 may convert the measured or detected information to anelectric signal. For example, the sensor module 2740 may include atleast one of a gesture sensor 2740A, a gyro sensor 2740B, a barometricpressure sensor 2740C, a magnetic sensor 2740D, an acceleration sensor2740E, a grip sensor 2740F, the proximity sensor 2740G, a color sensor2740H (e.g., red, green, blue (RGB) sensor), a biometric sensor 2740I, atemperature/humidity sensor 2740J, an illuminance sensor 2740K, or an UVsensor 2740M. Although not illustrated, additionally or alternatively,the sensor module 2740 may further include, for example, an E-nosesensor, an electromyography (EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG)sensor, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, aniris sensor, and/or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module 2740 mayfurther include a control circuit for controlling at least one or moresensors included therein. According to an embodiment, the electronicdevice 2701 may further include a processor that is a part of theprocessor 2710 or independent of the processor 2710 and is configured tocontrol the sensor module 2740. The processor may control the sensormodule 2740 while the processor 2710 remains at a sleep state.

The input device 2750 may include, for example, a touch panel 2752, a(digital) pen sensor 2754, a key 2756, or an ultrasonic input unit 2758.For example, the touch panel 2752 may use at least one of capacitive,resistive, infrared and ultrasonic detecting methods. Also, the touchpanel 2752 may further include a control circuit. The touch panel 2752may further include a tactile layer to provide a tactile reaction to auser.

The (digital) pen sensor 2754 may be, for example, a part of a touchpanel or may include an additional sheet for recognition. The key 2756may include, for example, a physical button, an optical key, a keypad,or the like. The ultrasonic input device 2758 may detect (or sense) anultrasonic signal, which is generated from an input device, through amicrophone (e.g., a microphone 2788) and may check data corresponding tothe detected ultrasonic signal.

The display 2760 (e.g., the display 2660) may include a panel 2762, ahologram device 2764, or a projector 2766. The panel 2762 may be thesame as or similar to the display 2660 illustrated in FIG. 26. The panel2762 may be implemented, for example, to be flexible, transparent orwearable. The panel 2762 and the touch panel 2752 may be integrated intoa single module. The hologram device 2764 may display a stereoscopicimage in a space using a light interference phenomenon. The projector2766 may project light onto a screen so as to display an image. Forexample, the screen may be arranged in the inside or the outside of theelectronic device 2701. According to an embodiment, the display 2760 mayfurther include a control circuit for controlling the panel 2762, thehologram device 2764, or the projector 2766.

The interface 2770 may include, for example, a high-definitionmultimedia interface (HDMI) 2772, a universal serial bus (USB) 2774, anoptical interface 2776, or a D-subminiature (D-sub) 2778. The interface2770 may be included, for example, in the communication interface 2670illustrated in FIG. 26. Additionally or alternatively, the interface2770 may include, for example, a mobile high definition link (MHL)interface, a SD card/multi-media card (MMC) interface, or an infrareddata association (IrDA) standard interface.

The audio module 2780 may convert a sound and an electric signal in dualdirections. At least a component of the audio module 2780 may beincluded, for example, in the input/output interface 2650 illustrated inFIG. 26. The audio module 2780 may process, for example, soundinformation that is input or output through a speaker 2782, a receiver2784, an earphone 2786, or the microphone 2788.

For example, the camera module 2791 may shoot a still image or a video.According to an embodiment, the camera module 2791 may include at leastone or more image sensors (e.g., a front sensor or a rear sensor), alens, an image signal processor (ISP), or a flash (e.g., an LED or axenon lamp).

The power management module 2795 may manage, for example, power of theelectronic device 2701. According to an embodiment, a power managementintegrated circuit (PMIC), a charger IC, or a battery or fuel gauge maybe included in the power management module 2795. The PMIC may have awired charging method and/or a wireless charging method. The wirelesscharging method may include, for example, a magnetic resonance method, amagnetic induction method or an electromagnetic method and may furtherinclude an additional circuit, for example, a coil loop, a resonantcircuit, or a rectifier, and the like. The battery gauge may measure,for example, a remaining capacity of the battery 2796 and a voltage,current or temperature thereof while the battery is charged. The battery2796 may include, for example, a rechargeable battery and/or a solarbattery.

The indicator 2797 may display a specific state of the electronic device2701 or a part thereof (e.g., the processor 2710), such as a bootingstate, a message state, a charging state, and the like. The motor 2798may convert an electrical signal into a mechanical vibration and maygenerate the following effects: vibration, haptic, and the like.Although not illustrated, a processing device (e.g., a GPU) forsupporting a mobile TV may be included in the electronic device 2701.The processing device for supporting the mobile TV may process mediadata according to the standards of digital multimedia broadcasting(DMB), digital video broadcasting (DVB), MediaFlo™, or the like.

Each of the above-mentioned components of the electronic deviceaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure may beconfigured with one or more parts, and the names of the components maybe changed according to the type of the electronic device. In variousembodiments, the electronic device may include at least one of theabove-mentioned components, and some components may be omitted or otheradditional components may be added. Furthermore, some of the componentsof the electronic device according to various embodiments may becombined with each other so as to form one entity, so that the functionsof the components may be performed in the same manner as before thecombination.

FIG. 28 illustrates a block diagram of a program module, according tovarious embodiments.

According to an embodiment, a program module 2810 (e.g., the program2640) may include an operating system (OS) to control resourcesassociated with an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 2601),and/or diverse applications (e.g., the application program 2647) drivenon the OS. The OS may be, for example, Android™, iOS™ Windows™,Symbian™, Tizen™, or Bada™.

The program module 2810 may include a kernel 2820, a middleware 2830, anapplication programming interface (API) 2860, and/or an application2870. At least a portion of the program module 2810 may be preloaded onan electronic device or may be downloadable from an external electronicdevice (e.g., the electronic device 2602 or 2604, the server 2606, orthe like).

The kernel 2820 (e.g., the kernel 2641) may include, for example, asystem resource manager 2821 or a device driver 2823. The systemresource manager 2821 may perform control, allocation, or retrieval ofsystem resources. According to an embodiment, the system resourcemanager 2821 may include a process managing unit, a memory managingunit, or a file system managing unit. The device driver 2823 mayinclude, for example, a display driver, a camera driver, a Bluetoothdriver, a shared memory driver, a USB driver, a keypad driver, a Wi-Fidriver, an audio driver, or an inter-process communication (IPC) driver.

The middleware 2830 may provide, for example, a function that theapplication 2870 needs in common, or may provide diverse functions tothe application 2870 through the API 2860 to allow the application 2870to efficiently use limited system resources of the electronic device.According to an embodiment, the middleware 2830 (e.g., the middleware2643) may include at least one of a runtime library 2835, an applicationmanager 2841, a window manager 2842, a multimedia manager 2843, aresource manager 2844, a power manager 2845, a database manager 2846, apackage manager 2847, a connectivity manager 2848, a notificationmanager 2849, a location manager 2850, a graphic manager 2851, asecurity manager 2852, or a payment manager 2854.

The runtime library 2835 may include, for example, a library module thatis used by a compiler to add a new function through a programminglanguage while the application 2870 is being executed. The runtimelibrary 2835 may perform input/output management, memory management, orcapacities about arithmetic functions.

The application manager 2841 may manage, for example, a life cycle of atleast one application of the application 2870. The window manager 2842may manage a graphic user interface (GUI) resource that is used in ascreen. The multimedia manager 2843 may identify a format necessary forplaying diverse media files, and may perform encoding or decoding ofmedia files by using a codec suitable for the format. The resourcemanager 2844 may manage resources such as a storage space, memory, orsource code of at least one application of the application 2870.

The power manager 2845 may operate, for example, with a basicinput/output system (BIOS) to manage a battery or power, and may providepower information for an operation of an electronic device. The databasemanager 2846 may generate, search for, or modify database that is to beused in at least one application of the application 2870. The packagemanager 2847 may install or update an application that is distributed inthe form of package file.

The connectivity manager 2848 may manage, for example, wirelessconnection such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The notification manager 2849 maydisplay or notify an event such as arrival message, appointment, orproximity notification in a mode that does not disturb a user. Thelocation manager 2850 may manage location information about anelectronic device. The graphic manager 2851 may manage a graphic effectthat is provided to a user, or manage a user interface relevant thereto.The security manager 2852 may provide a general security functionnecessary for system security, user authentication, or the like.According to an embodiment, in the case where an electronic device(e.g., the electronic device 2601) includes a telephony function, themiddleware 2830 may further include a telephony manager for managing avoice or video call function of the electronic device.

The middleware 2830 may include a middleware module that combinesdiverse functions of the above-described components. The middleware 2830may provide a module specialized to each OS kind to providedifferentiated functions. Additionally, the middleware 2830 maydynamically remove a part of the preexisting components or may add newcomponents thereto.

The API 2860 (e.g., the API 2645) may be, for example, a set ofprogramming functions and may be provided with a configuration that isvariable depending on an OS. For example, in the case where an OS isAndroid™ or iOS™, it may provide one API set per platform. In the casewhere an OS is Tizen™, it may provide two or more API sets per platform.

The application 2870 (e.g., the application program 2647) may include,for example, one or more applications capable of providing functions fora home 2871, a dialer 2872, an SMS/MMS 2873, an instant message (IM)2874, a browser 2875, a camera 2876, an alarm 2877, a contact 2878, avoice dial 2879, an e-mail 2880, a calendar 2881, a media player 2882,an album 2883, or a timepiece 2884 or for offering health care (e.g.,measuring an exercise quantity, blood sugar, or the like) or environmentinformation (e.g., information of barometric pressure, humidity,temperature, or the like).

According to an embodiment, the application 2870 may include anapplication (hereinafter referred to as “information exchangingapplication” for descriptive convenience) to support informationexchange between an electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 2601)and an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 2602 or2604). The information exchanging application may include, for example,a notification relay application for transmitting specific informationto an external electronic device, or a device management application formanaging the external electronic device.

For example, the notification relay application may include a functionof transmitting notification information, which arise from otherapplications (e.g., applications for SMS/MMS, e-mail, health care, orenvironmental information), to an external electronic device (e.g., theelectronic device 2602 or 2604). Additionally, the notification relayapplication may receive, for example, notification information from anexternal electronic device and provide the notification information to auser.

The device management application may manage (e.g., install, delete, orupdate), for example, at least one function (e.g., turn-on/turn-off ofan external electronic device itself (or a part) or adjustment ofbrightness (or resolution) of a display) of the external electronicdevice (e.g., the electronic device 2602 or 2604) which communicateswith the electronic device, an application running in the externalelectronic device, or a service (e.g., a call service, a messageservice, or the like) provided from the external electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the application 2870 may include anapplication (e.g., a health care application of a mobile medical device)that is assigned in accordance with an attribute of an externalelectronic device (e.g., the electronic device 2602 or 2604). Accordingto an embodiment, the application 2870 may include an application thatis received from an external electronic device (e.g., the electronicdevice 2602 or 2604, or the server 2606). According to an embodiment,the application 2870 may include a preloaded application or a thirdparty application that is downloadable from a server. The names ofcomponents of the program module 2810 according to the embodiment may bemodifiable depending on kinds of operating systems.

According to various embodiments, at least a portion of the programmodule 2810 may be implemented by software, firmware, hardware, or acombination of two or more thereof. At least a portion of the programmodule 2810 may be implemented (e.g., executed), for example, by theprocessor (e.g., the processor 2710). At least a portion of the programmodule 2810 may include, for example, modules, programs, routines, setsof instructions, processes, or the like for performing one or morefunctions.

The term “module” used in the present disclosure may represent, forexample, a unit including one or more combinations of hardware, softwareand firmware. The term “module” may be interchangeably used with theterms “unit”, “logic”, “logical block”, “part” and “circuit”. The“module” may be a minimum unit of an integrated part or may be a partthereof. The “module” may be a minimum unit for performing one or morefunctions or a part thereof. The “module” may be implementedmechanically or electronically. For example, the “module” may include atleast one of an application-specific IC (ASIC) chip, afield-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a programmable-logic devicefor performing some operations, which are known or will be developed.

At least a part of an apparatus (e.g., modules or functions thereof) ora method (e.g., operations) according to various embodiments may be, forexample, implemented by instructions stored in a computer-readablestorage media in the form of a program module. The instruction, whenexecuted by a processor (e.g., the processor 2620), may cause the one ormore processors to perform a function corresponding to the instruction.The computer-readable storage media, for example, may be the memory2630.

A computer-readable recording medium may include a hard disk, a floppydisk, a magnetic media (e.g., a magnetic tape), an optical media (e.g.,a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM) and a digital versatile disc(DVD), a magneto-optical media (e.g., a floptical disk)), and hardwaredevices (e.g., a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM),or a flash memory). Also, the one or more instructions may contain acode made by a compiler or a code executable by an interpreter. Theabove hardware unit may be configured to operate via one or moresoftware modules for performing an operation according to variousembodiments, and vice versa.

A module or a program module according to various embodiments mayinclude at least one of the above components, or a part of the abovecomponents may be omitted, or additional other components may be furtherincluded. Operations performed by a module, a program module, or othercomponents according to various embodiments may be executedsequentially, in parallel, repeatedly, or in a heuristic method. Inaddition, some operations may be executed in different sequences or maybe omitted. Alternatively, other operations may be added.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described with referenceto various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilledin the art that various changes in form and details may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure asdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. An electronic device comprising: a plurality of antennas; and acommunication circuit electrically connected with the plurality ofantennas, wherein the communication circuit includes a plurality ofcircuits receiving a signal in a first band and is configured tosimultaneously receive the signal in the first band through two or morecircuits of the plurality of circuits from two or more antennas, whichare positioned adjacent to each other, from among the plurality ofantennas, and wherein the number of the plurality of antennas is thesame as the number of plurality of circuits.
 2. The electronic device ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of circuits are a plurality of Tx/Rxcircuits which transmit and/or receive the signal in the first band,wherein the communication circuit is configured to simultaneouslytransmit and/or receive the signal in the first band through theplurality of Tx/Rx circuits from the plurality of antennas, and whereinthe number of the plurality of antennas is the same as the number ofplurality of Tx/Rx circuits.
 3. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the communication circuit further includes: one or more Tx/Rxcircuits configured to transmit and/or receive a signal in a secondband; and a signal distributer configured to selectively connect one ofthe plurality of antennas with one of the plurality of circuits or theone or more Tx/Rx circuits.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of antennas include a first antenna and a second antenna,and wherein the communication circuit further includes a Tx/Rx circuittransmitting and/or receiving the signal in the first band and a Rxcircuit receiving the signal in the first band, and is configured tosimultaneously receive the signal in the first band through the Tx/Rxcircuit and the Rx circuit from the first antenna and the secondantenna.
 5. The electronic device of claim 4, further comprising: aswitching circuit configured to define a connection of the communicationcircuit with the first antenna and the second antenna.
 6. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the plurality of antennas include a firstantenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna, wherein thecommunication circuit includes a first communication circuitelectrically connected with the first antenna and the second antenna anda second communication circuit electrically connected with the thirdantenna, wherein the first communication circuit includes a Tx/Rxcircuit transmitting and/or receiving the signal in the first band and aRx circuit receiving the signal in the first band, and is configured tosimultaneously receive the signal in the first band through the Tx/Rxcircuit and the Rx circuit of the first communication circuit from thefirst antenna and the second antenna, and wherein the secondcommunication circuit includes a Rx circuit receiving the signal in thefirst band and is configured to receive the signal in the first bandthrough the Rx circuit of the second communication circuit from thethird antenna simultaneously with the first communication circuit. 7.The electronic device of claim 6, further comprising: a switchingcircuit configured to define a connection of the communication circuitwith the first antenna, the second antenna, and the third antenna. 8.The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of antennasinclude a first antenna, a second antenna, a third antenna, and a fourthantenna, wherein the communication circuit includes a firstcommunication circuit electrically connected with the first antenna andthe second antenna and a second communication circuit electricallyconnected with the third antenna and the fourth antenna, wherein thefirst communication circuit includes a Tx/Rx circuit transmitting and/orreceiving the signal in the first band and a Rx circuit receiving thesignal in the first band, and is configured to simultaneously receivethe signal in the first band through the Tx/Rx circuit and the Rxcircuit from the first antenna and the second antenna, and wherein thesecond communication circuit includes two Rx circuits receiving thesignal in the first band and is configured to receive the signal in thefirst band through the two receiver circuits from the third antenna andthe fourth antenna simultaneously with the first communication circuit.9. The electronic device of claim 8, further comprising: a switchingcircuit configured to define a connection of the communication circuitwith the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and thefourth antenna.
 10. The electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a communication processor configured to control thecommunication circuit such that the communication circuit simultaneouslyreceives the signal in the first band from the plurality of antennas.11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the communicationprocessor is configured to: control the communication circuit so as toreceive the signal in the first band through one or more antennas of theplurality of antennas based on at least one of a received signalstrength indication, a transmit power, or a reflection loss of each ofthe plurality of antennas.
 12. The electronic device of claim 10,wherein the communication processor is configured to: verify a transmitpower or the received signal strength indication of each of theplurality of antennas; and control the communication circuit so as toreceive the signal in the first band through one or more antennas ofantennas, each of which has the received signal strength indication orthe transmit power greater than a specified value.
 13. The electronicdevice of claim 10, wherein the communication processor is configuredto: measure a received signal strength indication of an antenna, whichis receiving the signal in the first band, from among the plurality ofantennas; and control the communication circuit so as to receive thesignal in the first band through the antenna receiving the signal in thefirst band and another antenna of the plurality of antennas, when thereceived signal strength indication is smaller than a specified value.14. The electronic device of claim 10, further comprising: a grip sensorconfigured to detect a contact of an object with the electronic device;and an application processor electrically connected with the grip sensorand the communication processor, wherein the application processor isconfigured to obtain information about the contact with the electronicdevice using the grip sensor, wherein the communication processor isconfigured to obtain the information about the contact from theapplication processor and control the communication circuit based on theinformation about the contact so as to stop a use of an antenna, whichis in contact with the object, from among the plurality of antennas. 15.An electronic device comprising: an external housing including a firstportion, a second portion adjacent to the first portion, a third portionfurther away from the first portion than the second portion, and afourth portion adjacent to the third portion; a first antenna radiatorforming at least a portion of the first portion and/or formed within thehousing to be adjacent to the first portion; a second antenna radiatorforming at least a portion of the second portion and/or formed withinthe housing to be adjacent to the second portion; a third antennaradiator forming at least a portion of the third portion and/or formedwithin the housing to be adjacent to the third portion; a fourth antennaradiator forming at least a portion of the fourth portion and/or formedwithin the housing to be adjacent to the fourth portion; at least onecommunication circuit configured to support a frequency in a first bandand a frequency in a second band lower than the first band; a firstelectrical path configured to electrically connect the at least onecommunication circuit and the first antenna radiator and to transmit asignal having the frequency in the first band; a second electrical pathconfigured to electrically connect the at least one communicationcircuit and the second antenna radiator and to simultaneously orselectively transmit a signal having the frequency in the first band orthe second band; a third electrical path configured to electricallyconnect the at least one communication circuit and the third antennaradiator and to simultaneously or selectively transmit a signal havingthe frequency in the first band or the second band; a fourth electricalpath configured to electrically connect the at least one communicationcircuit and the fourth antenna radiator and to transmit the signalhaving the frequency in the first band; and a control circuit configuredto receive the signal in the first band through at least two of thefirst to fourth antenna radiators at least temporarily simultaneously bycontrolling at least one of the first to fourth electrical paths.